Drivers are being warned about the risk of fuel thefts after a change in the law earlier this year.

In a bid to meet new emissions targets, the Government drastically reduced the number of people that can access red diesel.

Red diesel is fuel that has not had the VAT added to it, meaning it is far cheaper. It accounts for around 15 percent of diesel consumption in the UK.

But its use has been largely curtailed to agricultural and rail industries.

It means security companies are fearing thefts of diesel will be on the rise, especially combined with the sky-high fuel prices currently being suffered in the UK.

Craig Walton, Director at Kingdom Systems, warned drivers to ensure they are protecting their cars from potential thieves.

He said: “As ministers have now dropped plans to offer red diesel to construction sites and others, we’re worried it could lead to a tipping point where thieves now target these places knowing their gains will largely be untraceable. And this concerns us. 

“We would urge all industries who have changed to diesel to be watching their tanks and supplies over the coming months to make sure thieves are not benefitting. 

“It’s imperative to be monitoring over the coming months as watching stocks and supplies will be crucial.

“Motorists, meanwhile, need to make sure they’re purchasing from reputable outlets, as they could be helping the criminals by buying elsewhere.”

It is called red diesel because of the red dye they put in it to distinguish the two.

Speaking to the Express regarding a concern in theft increases, a Government spokesperson said there would be a financial burden on the justice system arising from the changes, but this would be minimal. 

They said: “The Ministry of Justice is content that there would be negligible extra costs on the justice system arising from any prohibition.”