A GANG of thieves targeting petrol stations in Lancashire is being hunted by police.

Since October, officers believe the group is responsible for 15 "drive offs", with incidents happening in Blackburn, Preston, Samlesbury, Darwen, Clitheroe and Bacup.

Various cars including a red Peugeot or Audi, a black Mercedes, a white Mercedes 320 and a black Audi, have been used, but all had the same registration, C11 TAZ.

Incidents in Hertfordshire are also being linked to the gang.

On most occasions, a passenger fills both the car and a large fuel container before making off without paying and on each occasion they drive off with up to £90 of petrol.

Police Constable Bryony Midgley said: "I appeal to anyone with information to help us to identify the people responsible.

"We are aware that this number plate is being used illegally by people who are then stealing large amounts of fuel.

"We will not tolerate this."

Incidents include:

  • Five strikes at the Tickled Trout Service Station, Preston New Road, Samlesbury, on October, 5, November 5 and 13 twice, and 16
  • Somerfield, Preston New Road, Blackburn, on October 31
  • Market Street, Service Station, Bacup, on November, 9
  • BP Petrol station, Commercial Road, Darwen on, November 11
  • Somerfield, Preston New Road, Blackburn, November 11
  • Somerfield, Holm Road, Barrow, Clitheroe, November, 13
  • Bolton Road Service Station, Darwen, November 13
  • Asda Grimshaw park, Blackburn, November 15
  • Park Garage, Whalley New Road, Blackburn, November 18
  • Key Filling Station, Garstang Road, Preston, Monday 19 November.

Police are urging anyone with information to contact them by calling 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.