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Pub Landlady's Used Oil Stolen by "Ruthless Thieves"
26 Mar
Summary
- Pub lost 100 litres of used cooking oil over the past year.
- Thieves may be converting oil into diesel fuel for profit.
- The theft also caused property damage due to oil spillage.
A pub landlady in Suffolk has fallen victim to thieves who have repeatedly stolen used cooking oil from her establishment.
Polly Durant, who runs the Ufford Crown near Woodbridge, reported that around 100 litres of used cooking oil have been taken over the last year. This oil is typically collected by a supplier, from whom the pub receives a credit of £40 to £60 on their bill.
Durant suspects the stolen oil is being repurposed into diesel fuel, a concern heightened by recent oil price increases linked to Middle East conflicts. The thefts have not only deprived the pub of a small but significant income stream but have also resulted in property damage, including oil spills that are difficult to remove.
Despite providing CCTV footage to the police, the poor quality of the images has hindered the investigation. Durant expressed her frustration and distress over the ongoing thefts, highlighting the challenging financial climate for pubs and the impact on staff morale.
