HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office discussed how it dismantled a large-scale diesel theft operation on Thursday morning.
“These individuals were responsible for 350 diesel fuel thefts at 70 locations within 13 counties across this great state. They’re responsible for stealing and the theft of 185,000 gallons in diesel fuel, with a retail value of about a $650,000 loss. Their crime spree is now over,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said.
The sheriff said “Operation Van Diesel” began about six months ago after fuel centers around Hillsborough County reported missing fuel to the sheriff’s office.
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According to Chronister, investigators learned that the suspects would pull up to the gas station’s diesel fuel covers in a van and steal about 500 gallons of diesel within minutes…