The rise has seen some defendants accused of multiple drive-offs, while the value of fuel taken in individual incidents has run into hundreds of pounds.

Fuel theft prevention company Forecourt Eye said incidents of fuel taken without payment soared by 20pc after the conflict began on February 28, compared with the preceding five months.

CCTV screengrab issued by Forecourt Eye as fuel thefts from filling stations have spiked (Image: Forecourt Eye/PA Wire)

The increase in pump prices driven by the war means the average value of stolen fuel rose by almost half with some thefts running into the hundreds of pounds.

The average price of a litre of petrol has climbed to £1.74 -........

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