SECURITY has been stepped up at a council depot after thieves stole £16,000 worth of diesel fuel in the latest in a series of Wyre Forest raids.

Police believe gangs operating in the area have been responsible for 40 recorded thefts this year, mainly on industrial estates in Kidderminster and Stourport.

The diesel has been siphoned from HGVs and other vehicles but in the latest theft they struck overnight and took 15,000 litres from a tank at Wyre Forest District Council's refuse depot in Green Street, Kidderminster between Tuesday and Wednesday last week.

"It was a surprise to find the diesel we use for the council vehicles had been stolen," said Andrew Dickens, head of cultural, leisure and commercial services. "I don't know how they did it or what with. We have now adapted our CCTV to cover the tanks and put on a different type of control valve."

On the same night, between 100 and 200 litres of diesel were stolen from a company on the Hoo Farm Industrial Estate.

Police are warning drivers not to buy suspect diesel as they will run the risk of having their vehicle seized by customs officers.

"Some of the stolen diesel is ordinary diesel that could be bought at any garage," said Sgt John Elliott of Kidderminster police.

"Some is red diesel, which is cheaper and designed for agricultural vehicles. This will also run cars but as a lower tax has been paid, cars using it can be seized by Customs and Excise. They do regular checks so there is a good chance of being caught."

Police want anyone who might have seen the raid on the council depot or who has any information about the thefts to contact them on 08457 444888 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.