Sam Babcock, the BG Fuels territory manager in southern Alberta, was initially unconcerned when informed of a significant depletion in the company’s fuel inventory. Assuming it was a mere input mistake, Babcock soon discovered it was the first of a series of thefts totaling about 10,000 liters of diesel fuel, resulting in a financial loss of approximately $20,000.
BG Fuels, a Canadian wholesaler operating under brands like Mobil, Esso, and Waypoint Convenience, has been alarmed by recent thefts at three Mobil gas stations in Calgary. The thefts involved siphoning diesel directly from underground tanks, with the majority of the fuel being taken during an initial incident where around 8,000 liters were lost.
Reviewing surveillance footage of the first theft, Babcock observed a truck arriving at a closed station around 4 a.m., extracting diesel for about 25 minutes, and then departing. Due to the use of a large commercial truck, the theft appeared inconspicuous to passersby during those early hours, causing increased stress for station employees who now regularly check on their sites at night.
Subsequent theft attempts resulted in significantly lower amounts being taken, with about 50 liters in the second incident and 2,000 liters in the final one. The company believes the same culprits were involved in all three thefts based on the captured footage.
Babcock emphasized the safety risk posed by the stolen diesel, as mishandling flammable materials of this quantity could have severe consequences. The Calgary Police Service has confirmed an active investigation into the thefts, acknowledging their unusual scale compared to typical fuel siphoning incidents.
Sergeant Nick Wilsher of the police’s crime prevention team highlighted the broader implications of fuel theft, cautioning consumers against supporting such illegal activities. He emphasized that the costs of theft ultimately burden consumers, potentially leading to increased prices for legitimately purchased fuel.
Wilsher recommended enhanced security measures for retailers to mitigate theft risks, such as improved locks, tamper-proof alarm systems, and increased video surveillance. The surveillance footage provided by BG has been instrumental in aiding police investigations, providing valuable insights into the vehicles and individuals involved in the thefts.
