BOSSES at a Ribble Valley haulage firm have had to draft in security guards after a spate of diesel thefts.

And police have stepped up patrols in the area after thieves targeted several haulage-type companies.

Raiders have siphoned off thousands of pounds worth of fuel from Monk’s Contractors located on the busy A59.

Raiders cut the panels in a fence to get into the yard at the firm in Myerscough Smithy Road, Balderstone.

They knocked holes into the tanks and broke fuel caps to access the diesel in lorries parked on the site.

The theft of 700 litres of fuel, worth around £1,000, took place overnight on November 23.

A couple of weeks earlier, on October 27, four tanks were drained of 300 litres worth around £420. Bosses at the firm have now employed security guards to patrol the site.

The owner, Chris Monk, said: “It is costing us thousands of pounds every time this happens because not only do we have to replace the fuel but our drivers are grounded for hours and then we have to repair the tanks.

“We are getting extra security as we can’t afford to keep letting this happen.”

Thieves have also tried to break into another transport firm, Clarendon Haulage, which is also on the A59. But they have been deterred by a sophisticated security system.

Owner Steven Holt called for more police to patrol the area. About the thieves, he said: “They have tried quite a few times but every time they come over the fence they are captured on CCTV and a Tannoy goes off telling them they are being filmed.”

“Fuel thefts are increasing but we just need more police presence as they keep coming back.

"Drivers and firms are losing thousands because of the thefts.”

Last year there were 791 fraud offences involving fuel, which includes drive-offs as well as siphoning petrol from tanks, in the area.

Sergeant John Lynsey, of Clitheroe police, said: “We are investigating the thefts and we have increased patrols in the affected areas.”