The incident took place last weekend in Bolesławiec County. Officers received a report of a delivery van being stolen from one of the secured properties. According to the findings, the perpetrator took advantage of the fact that the keys were inside the vehicle and drove away in the car, worth approximately PLN 20,000.
The case was handled by criminal division officers, who conducted operational activities and identified a person who might have been connected with the incident. The 26-year-old county resident was detained, and the stolen vehicle was found and secured. Once the procedural activities are completed, the car is to be returned to its owner.
During the proceedings, investigators established, however, that the list of alleged offenses was considerably longer. Their findings indicate that from April to June, the man also allegedly stole a battery and car keys, as well as fraudulently obtained fuel twice at service stations.
The method allegedly used in the theft of diesel fuel was particularly unusual. According to police, the perpetrator asked an acquaintance to help transport and fill fuel into prepared containers. The person helping was reportedly convinced that they were taking part in a legal purchase. After filling up, the man declared that he intended to pay and tried to complete the transaction with a card which, as investigators established, he knew was blocked. After the failed payment, he drove away without settling the bill.
The total losses connected with the fuel thefts were estimated at nearly PLN 3,000.
Police also established that the detained man had driven motor vehicles twice despite an active court-imposed driving ban.
The man was presented with a total of six charges. Because he acted as a repeat offender, he will face the charges as a recidivist. Under the applicable regulations, he faces up to 7.5 years in prison.