Daring diesel heist ends in high-speed chase and arrest in Germany
A 20-year-old man has been arrested after stealing thousands of litres of diesel from a self-service gas station in Essen. Police discovered the fuel hidden in large containers inside a van fitted with false number plates. The suspect led officers on a chase before his arrest in Bochum.
The theft took place overnight at a station on Pferdebahnstraße. The man allegedly bypassed the security system, which normally requires fleet cards or authorisation, and filled over 3,000 litres of diesel into unlabeled containers in a Mercedes Sprinter. Investigators later found three 1,000-litre industrial tanks inside the van, suggesting a well-planned operation.
The suspect, an Albanian national with no permanent address in Germany, attempted to flee when police approached. A high-speed chase followed, ending only when officers caught up with him in Bochum. The van carried false Romanian plates, raising further suspicions about its origin. Authorities now believe an accomplice may have been involved, possibly driving a second Mercedes Sprinter. They are appealing for witnesses who might have noticed unusual activity at the gas station during the night. Estimates suggest up to 10,000 litres of fuel could have been taken in total.
The arrested man remains in custody while investigations continue. Police are examining the recovered containers and the van’s false plates for further evidence. The gas station’s security measures are also under review following the breach.
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