POLICE have appealed for information following a series of fuel thefts in the west of Sunderland.

A Northumbria Police spokesman said the thefts yesterday (Wednesday, August 7) involved the same car - a sky blue Honda Civic which has been stolen from the Cleveland area.

Officers received a report of a theft of petrol from BP Snax 24 on The Broadway at 7.40pm

A male front seat passenger filled up the tank with petrol before the vehicle made off without paying.

Another incident then happened around 7.50pm, at Barnes Service Station, on Durham Road when the Civic pulled up and attempts were made to fill up petrol cans in the boot.

However, when challenged by a member of staff over the speaker system, the car made off without the fuel.

A further theft then took place at the Esso Service Station, on Durham Road, at around 7.55pm.

The passenger filled petrol cans from the boot of the vehicle with fuel before the car drove off.

The Honda was also spotted at Foxcover Service Station, on Durham Road, at 10.10pm - however, no crimes were committed.

Police are keen to speak to any witnesses or anyone with information.

Neighbourhood Inspector Lisa Laverick said: “Fuel theft isn't a victimless crime - it has an impact on consumers as well as retailers.

“It can also be linked to other offences and once filled up, its occupants can use it to go on to commit further crime.”

Anyone with information should contact Northumbria Police on 101, extension 69191, quoting log number 1143 06/08/14, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.