Overview
- Harz police report nearly 600 liters siphoned from two parked trucks after thieves pried open the tank caps, prompting two theft investigations.
- Police in Tiefenbach arrested a 35-year-old accused of trying to drain diesel from a construction machine, an offense that can bring a fine or up to five years in prison.
- Police figures from Lower Bavaria show almost 60 fuel thefts in the first four months of 2026, compared with roughly 100 in all of 2024 and in 2025.
- Reports describe harsher tactics, including claims that sleep gas was used on drivers, and say thieves are also hitting cars at commuter parking lots.
- Transport companies say onboard trackers can flag sudden drops in fuel levels down to the minute, yet many reported thefts remain unsolved and drivers lose sleep over safety.