Police are concerned about a developing trend for ‘fuel tank drilling’ in and around the Rhydyfelin area

Three incidents occurred overnight on Tuesday 5 February 2013. This latest spate followed similar incidents in the last two weeks have which occurred in the Merthyr area.

Fuel tank drilling is where a person goes underneath the vehicle to drill into the fuel tank and drain off the petrol or diesel.

It is extremely dangerous because when a power tool is used to drill through metal, heat and sparks are created and could ignite highly flammable fuel causing serious injury, possibly death.

Local Policing Inspector Nigel Griffiths, said: “Substances like petrol or diesel are explosive and people are literally dicing with their lives for a small amount of fuel.

“I am urging those responsible not to be so reckless, as it’s only a matter of time before somebody gets seriously hurt.

“These latest incidents have occurred at night in residential areas, and domestic vehicles have been targeted. We therefore ask the general public to be vigilent, and to call us if they have any information,” he added.

Anyone who has information about who is responsible or who may have noticed somebody acting suspiciously, is urged to contact South Wales Police’s non emergency number 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.