Motorist has van seized in sting on red diesel thieves

A VAN driver has had his vehicle seized and was issued with an £800 fine as part of a joint campaign by police and customs officers to target red diesel thieves in East and Midlothian.

The operation was carried out by officers from the force's road policing unit and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HRMC) fuel testers between 7pm on Thursday and 3am yesterday.A total of 40 vehicles were stopped for inspection, all of which had their fuel tanks dipped to check for stolen fuel.

The 36-year-old man, from Prestonpans in East Lothian, had his white Ford Transit van seized after his tank was found to be filled with red diesel.

The operation follows a recent spate of red diesel thefts in the area, and police are warning fuel thieves that the checks will continue.

Inspector Fraser Jervis, in charge of road policing for East Lothian and Midlothian, said: "These vehicle inspections were not a one-off and those who continue to steal red diesel will also have their vehicles seized and issued with a hefty fine."