Police Arrest Three Following Diesel Theft

Published on: 4 Nov, 2013
Updated on: 6 Nov, 2013

Surrey Police have arrested three people in connection with the theft of diesel from a lorry.

The incident took place at a lay-by on the northbound carriageway of the A3 just before the Clay Lane bridge, Guildford at between 3.20am and 4am on Friday, 1 November.

Following the incident police arrested a 33-year-old man, a 32-year-old man and a 28-year-old man who are all from New Malden.

All three have been released on bail until 3, February 2014 while the investigation continues.

Inspector Richard Mallett from Surrey Police Roads Policing Unit said: “To reduce the risk of fuel theft I strongly advise that lorry drivers should always try and park in a well-lit location and if possible a secure parking area.

“I would appeal to all motorists to remain vigilant and contact the police immediately if you see anyone behaving suspiciously.”

Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference GD/13/9274 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Responses to Police Arrest Three Following Diesel Theft

Brian Holt Reply

November 4, 2013 at 5:28 pm

Guildford is one of the few towns without a secure overnight lorry and coach park.

Most haulage firms would be prepared to pay a reasonable fee to have both their vehicles and drivers safe overnight.

Most secure lorry parks also have toilet and washing facilities for the drivers.
Bernard Parke Reply

November 5, 2013 at 7:47 am

We used to have such a lorry park adjacent to a Guildford Park Avenue which caused considerable distress to residents.
Refrigeration lorries keep up a considerable noise through the night etc.

After a successful campaign as a councillor I had it closed down,
Brian Holt Reply

November 5, 2013 at 11:17 pm

If every town was the same as Guildford, there would not be many lorries making deliveries to our towns. Drivers working day and driving hours have been reduced, so overnight stops are necessary.

The lay-bys on the A3 around Guildford are full of parked lorries every weekday evening. Sensible planning would not have put a lorry park among housing anyway.
When I was driving coaches we used to talk our customers out of coming to Guildford and the theatre because of the lack of parking and setting down points. We would, recommend other towns and theatres.

Woking always had plenty of coaches at their theatre because we used to park opposite, in Brewery Road, and they walked across to their waiting coaches. If Guildford wants tourist groups etc to come to this town then they will have to offer the necessary facilities to these groups and one required facility is coach parking in the town.
Bernard Parke Reply

November 6, 2013 at 11:17 am

We need to keep heavy through transport out of the town centre.

In the past the lorry park caused residents considerable distress.

We can not even provide adequate parking now for such venues as G Live.