Motorway Service Areas can be hotspots for truck crime and the Road Haulage Association has been campaigning for years for improved security at these sites. As fuel prices rise, diesel has become a highly valued commodity among criminals who sell it on for a 'below market' cost. This activity is creating large losses for haulage firms in particular.

RHA head of security Chrys Rampley said: "There are thieves out there who are prepared to sit and wait for hours until the right moment to siphon the fuel. However it is a rare occurrence for a driver to be approached and threatened in this manner. When you consider the price drivers and hauliers have to pay to use MSA facilities, it is scandalous that security is not of a higher standard at these sites.”

"The response from the police is patchy; many don't record the offence due to the simple fact that once siphoned off, stolen fuel cannot be positively identified as there are no tell-tale marks or fingerprints.

"At a time when UK hauliers are really feeling the pinch as a result of record fuel prices, to have their fuel stolen is adding insult to injury and we shall be doing all we can to bring this scandalous practice to the attention of the MSA operators. It seems that some individuals will stop at nothing and it won't be long before someone is hurt"