A SPATE of fuel thefts from vehicles parked in laybys on the A14 is being tackled by police.
Northamptonshire Police are focusing on the western end of the A14, up to the Catthorpe interchange with the M6, to protect vehicles and detect suspicious activity after receiving ‘high levels’ of reports of vehicle crime.
On Saturday January 5, officers were called to a layby in the area where an HGV driver had interrupted a suspected attempt to steal fuel from his lorry.
A search resulted in a 15-year-old boy being arrested on suspicion of going equipped for theft.
PC John Hutchings, neighbourhood rural policing officer for the area, said: “This result is part of continuing work in an area where high levels of particular vehicle-related offences have been reported.
“As well as our proactive work, other measures taken include working with Highways England to cut trees and vegetation back in laybys on the A14, improving visibility and making it harder for offenders to commit crime.
“Our aim is to show criminals targeting vehicles in this area that it is not a soft target and we are ready and waiting for them.”
The 15-year-old arrested on suspicion of going equipped for theft has been released under investigation as enquiries continue.
Anyone with information about criminal activity in the area can call Northamptonshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
