Fuel thieves didn’t make a clean getaway when they targeted a van in Dundee’s West End.
Their crude attempt to disconnect the fuel pipe from a Ford Transit van ended with them being deluged by the diesel they were trying to steal and fleeing the scene dripping in evidence.
Police were sniffing for clues to catch the culprits of the crime in the car park off Seafield Road that happened overnight on Thursday.
The van’s owner, who declined to be identified, left the vehicle out of its garage on Thursday as he was going to set off early the next morning.
He woke to find the fuel pipe disconnected and a stream of diesel running from his van down to a drain.
His decision to park the vehicle on a slope tempted the fuel thieves, but it was also their torment.
“The fuel pipe was quite visible the way I parked it, but it also meant the fuel was feeding downwards from the tank to the engine,” explained the 63-year-old man.
“It looks like the force of gravity caught them out. Judging by the amount of diesel on the roadway it looks like the fuel gushed out much faster than they thought and they couldn’t get it into the container.
“There was about half a tank and it seems most of the diesel went on to the road, but some must have gone on to the people who were trying to steal it.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if they were drenched in it, and they probably left smelling of diesel.”
He reported the crime to the police who inspected the scene and arranged for council workers to clear up the spill.
As well as losing 40 litres of diesel, having to change his plans and getting his van fixed, the man is angry at the cost of the clear-up having to be met by the public purse and the actual spill harming the environment.
Police are investigating the incident and invite anyone with information to call them.
It was one of a spate of fuel thefts in recent weeks.
Earlier this month fuel was siphoned from a Vauxhall van in Orchard Court and a Vauxhall Corsa in the car park at Tesco Riverside, while a car was targeted in Main Street, Longforgan.
There have been similar incidents in Blairgowrie.
Police advise vehicle owners to park in a garage if they have one, or in a visible and well-lit area rather than in a secluded spot.
Householders should report any suspicious activity in their area, and anyone offered cheap petrol or diesel should be aware they could be committing a crime if they accept. They should decline the offer and report it to the police.
Anyone with information on fuel thefts should contact the police on 101, speak to any police officer or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.