Fuel thefts in Welshpool and Llanrhaeadr Ym Mochnant

Two lorries have had their fuel tanks emptied by thieves in Mid Wales - just days after it was revealed hauliers are avoiding stopping in the area due to thefts.

Dyfed-Powys Police has now called on drivers to be extra vigilant.

Lorries in Welshpool and Llanrhaeadr Ym Mochnant were targeted, with a vehicle in each area having a tank full of diesel stolen.

The region has suffered from dozens of fuel thefts since the credit crunch.

Antony Topazio, force spokesman, said: "Dyfed- Powys Police is currently investigating the theft of diesel from a lorry parked in Station Yard, Llanrhaeadr Ym Mochnant, near Llanfyllin, overnight on October 20 or 21.

"Also at Welshpool, persons have forced the fuel cap of a van at a unit on Severn Road and stolen a substantial amount of diesel."

Last week, it was reported lorry drivers were by-passing Welshpool and spending their overnight allowances in other towns following an increased risk of fuel thefts.

Word has spread across the British trucking fraternity following the alleged theft of fuel from an Ammanford-based lorry parked up for the night in the Church Street car park, which has since been avoided by many truckers.

Anyone with information on the incidents should call 0845 330 2000.