A BRAZEN fuel thief was so determined to steal petrol that he wrestled a service station employee to the ground in order to flee the scene of the crime.

According to Captain Raymond Deokaran, spokesperson for the Durban North police station, the incident occurred at a fuel station on Mackeurtan Avenue on Monday (March 14) at about 10:30. 

In recent weeks there has been a string of cases of fuel theft where motorists fill their vehicle’s tanks and drive off without paying.

Related story: Fuel thieves run amok in north Durban

Deokaran said some motorists carrying out the theft were attempting to employ every trick in the book to get away scot free.

“In the latest incident, the suspect told the petrol attendant that he would pay in the convenience store as he wanted to purchase a few other items. He then attempted to pay for an energy drink and a bottle of water and his card declined. He informed the cashier that he has another card in the car.

“When the cashier followed him out to his vehicle the suspect attempted to flee without paying. He wrestled with the employee and managed to get away and fled with the stolen items and without paying for the fuel. We have noticed that more suspects are using the method of pretending to pay in the convenience store attached to the station and then driving off without paying at all,” he said. 

Also Read: Expected fuel price hike for April

According to police, the registration of the vehicle was captured and the suspect was seen fleeing the scene in a Toyota Etios. 

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