A festive holiday took an unfortunate turn for a Neath student who discovered upon returning home that the petrol had been stolen from her car.
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Returning from a festive holiday, a student from Neath faced a distressing situation. After filling her vehicle with fuel to avoid complications while preparing for postgraduate exams, she was shocked to find the petrol gauge alarmingly low upon her return.
The student, who prefers to remain unnamed, initially dismissed the low reading as a quirk of her car. However, as she noticed the gauge indicating only five miles remaining before empty, she decided to investigate further. Concerned, she reached out to her family for advice.
Jokingly, her grandfather suggested the possibility of someone siphoning the petrol.
Investigation unveils a troubling reality
After taking her vehicle to a local garage for a thorough inspection, mechanics initially struggled to identify any issues. However, the situation changed when they later contacted her with alarming news.
After adding fuel, the garage discovered it was leaking out due to a precisely cut hole in the dual fuel tank. This unfortunate revelation confirmed her worst fears: someone had indeed stolen petrol from her car.
Wider implications for the community
Feeling uneasy about the incident, she began to inquire with her neighbors, only to learn that she was not alone in her misfortune. An elderly couple nearby shared a similar story, revealing that their vehicle had been completely drained of fuel and had to be towed to a garage for assistance. This connection significantly distressed her, as she considered her own grandparents residing close by, highlighting the vulnerability of certain community members.
“It really upset me when I heard that,” she expressed. “To think that this could happen to my grandparents is disheartening. It’s frightening to realize that such thefts can target those who are more vulnerable.”
Financial and emotional toll of the theft
The theft has caused not only emotional distress but also significant financial disruption for the student. Having filled her car with petrol to alleviate concerns as she prepared for her exams, the unexpected repair costs were overwhelming. She received a quote of £350 for a replacement fuel tank, which required ordering from overseas and would take over a week to arrive.
“Now I’m left without a car, juggling multiple responsibilities including caring for my elderly grandparents and managing my partner’s upcoming surgery,” she lamented. “Being a student, especially right after the festive season, facing additional unexpected expenses has added to my stress.”
Reporting the crime
In light of the theft, the student decided to file a report with the police, seeking assistance and hoping to prevent further incidents in her community. On January 1, she contacted local authorities to report the petrol theft that occurred on Twyn Teg in Caewern, Neath Port Talbot, prior to her notice of the incident. The police have confirmed they are actively investigating the situation.
A spokesperson for South Wales Police stated, “We have received a report regarding the theft of fuel from a motor vehicle, and we are currently looking into this matter.” They encouraged anyone who might have information related to the incident to come forward and share their insights.
Community vigilance encouraged
The unsettling experience has left the student feeling shaken, as she now feels on edge whenever she steps outside her home. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance in the face of such thefts. With similar occurrences reported in the Neath area, residents are urged to be cautious and report any suspicious activity to the police.
The student, who prefers to remain unnamed, initially dismissed the low reading as a quirk of her car. However, as she noticed the gauge indicating only five miles remaining before empty, she decided to investigate further. Concerned, she reached out to her family for advice. Jokingly, her grandfather suggested the possibility of someone siphoning the petrol.0
