Fuel theft is not limited to a specific type of vehicle; it threatens almost every commercial vehicle group that uses diesel fuel and has an easily accessible tank. For thieves, “high-volume and unprotected tanks” are always primary targets.

Below is a detailed analysis of the vehicle groups with the highest risk of fuel theft on a sectoral basis and the reasons why these groups are targeted:

1. Heavy Duty and Logistics Group (Trucks, Lorries, Trailers)

This is the group where theft incidents occur most frequently.

• Why Targeted? The fuel tank capacities of these vehicles are very large (usually between 500-1000 liters). Thieves can steal a very high amount of diesel in a single instance.
• Risk Areas: Especially insecure rest areas along highways, border crossing queues, and overnight parking zones.
• Solution: Standard caps on these vehicles can be broken in seconds. Fuel tank security systems, especially anti-siphoning (mesh) kits installed in the filler neck, make it impossible to insert a hose.

2. Construction Machinery and Equipment (Excavators, Dozers, Loaders)

These vehicles, indispensable for construction sites, are the “most vulnerable” group in terms of theft.

• Why Targeted? Construction machinery is often left parked overnight in remote construction sites far from residential areas or along roadsides. Additionally, their tanks can be low to the ground, making access easy.
• Risk Areas: Construction sites, mines, and road construction projects.
• Solution: In this group, theft can occur not only from the tank but also from drain plugs or fuel lines. A comprehensive fuel protection systems package (including bottom plug protection and float sensor protection) should be applied.

3. Agricultural Vehicles (Tractors, Combine Harvesters)

Diesel is the largest input cost for farmers, and these vehicles become open targets during harvest time.

• Why Targeted? Agricultural lands and farms are generally remote areas without security cameras. During peak seasonal use, vehicles may be left in the field.
• Risk Areas: Fields, village squares, and open lands.
• Solution: As a fuel theft prevention strategy, fuel security kits suitable for the smaller but easily accessible tanks of tractors should be installed.

4. Public Transport Vehicles (Buses, Minibuses, Shuttles)

These are vehicles used in urban and intercity passenger transportation.

• Why Targeted? In these fleet-managed vehicles, theft may occur not from the outside, but in the form of “over-reporting” fuel consumption or internal abuse (internal theft).
• Solution: For fuel security, not just mechanical locks, but systems that control fuel entry into the tank and prevent it from being siphoned out must be integrated.

5. Stationary Power Units (Generators)

This is a group that is often overlooked but where significant losses occur.

• Why Targeted? Generators used in factories, hospitals, or construction sites have very large external fuel tanks. Because they are stationary, thieves can plan their actions easily.
• Solution: Special industrial fuel security solutions and fuel tank protection systems are essential for these units.

Summary: Which Precautions Should Be Taken?

Regardless of the vehicle group, standard factory-fitted tank caps are insufficient for fuel protection. It is necessary to be preventive rather than just a deterrent against theft. For businesses, using a professional fuel security kit that is custom-made for the vehicle type and resistant to drilling and impact is the most definitive way to eliminate this “invisible expense.”