Fuel thieves siphon Bridport club of thousands of dollars

Bridport Golf Club has been left feeling “demoralised” after thousands of dollars of fuel was stolen from club reserves in two recent incidents. Watch the footage capturing thieves in the act.

Members of Bridport Golf Club are angry at repeated burglaries of their clubhouse, with two recent fuel thefts – captured on CCTV – leaving the volunteer-run club thousands of dollars out of pocket.

Thieves targeted the club in two separate incidents, one in early March and the other in early April, taking over 1500 litres of fuel from the club’s reserves used for groundskeeping.

CCTV at the Bridport Golf Club captured a group allegedly stealing thousands of dollars of fuel. Picture: supplied

“From both incidents combined, the fuel stolen was worth around $3000, which is a lot for such a small club,” a spokesman said.

“We are all volunteers and our funds come from sponsors and events alongside some of our fixtures – it’s really demoralising for the club.”

Images from the CCTV footage show the group using an angle grinder to break into the club’s locked fuel reserve before filling up multiple fuel containers and a small tank on a truck tray.

CCTV at the Bridport Golf Club captured a group allegedly stealing thousands of dollars of fuel. Picture: supplied

The club and its members have made the decision to share the footage of alleged thieves following a long history of break-ins at the club and incidents in the surrounding area.

“In the last five to six years, we have had people break-in, the club ute stolen, our bar raided, tools and equipment taken,” the club spokesman said.

“It holds the club back really when we have to focus on protecting our grounds and equipment or try to raise funds again to recoup what is lost. It’s disappointing and disheartening for a small community.”

CCTV at the Bridport Golf Club captured a group allegedly stealing thousands of dollars of fuel. Picture: supplied

Tasmania Police confirmed they are continuing to investigate the incidents at the Bridport Golf Club.

“Police are following a specific line of inquiry and thank the community for their support in the investigation so far,” a police spokeswoman said.

Anyone with information can contact police on 131 444 Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000.

Originally published as Fuel thieves siphon Bridport club of thousands of dollars