Royal Navy launches major probe after brazen thieves snatch £250,000 of fuel from HMS Bulwark at HMNB Devonport

MILITARY top brass have launched a major probe after brazen thieves stole a huge volume of fuel from a Royal Navy base.
By Tom Cotterill
Published 7th Apr 2022, 09:38 BST
Updated 7th Apr 2022, 09:40 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

More than £250,000 of fuel, used to power generators supplying electricity to amphibious landing ship HMS Bulwark, was pilfered.

The Ministry of Defence has insisted the crime did ‘not disrupt’ military operations.

Read More
Royal Navy: Type 31 frigate programme remains on track as Ministry of Defence co...
HMS Bulwark pictured during a refit at HMNB Devonport.HMS Bulwark pictured during a refit at HMNB Devonport.
HMS Bulwark pictured during a refit at HMNB Devonport.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Thieves reported made off with fuel from tankers at HMNB Devonport in Plymouth that was used to power electricity generators at the base.

The fuel, which belonged to defence contractor Babcock International, was siphoned off at some point last year – amid a fuel crisis in Britain which saw petrol stations pumped dry by panicking motorists.

SEE ALSO: Portsmouth family pays tribute to much-loved mum of five

The alarm was raised when civilian guards performed a spot check on a civilian tanker driver trying to leave the base, reported The Sun newspaper.

HMS Bulwark pictured returning to portHMS Bulwark pictured returning to port
HMS Bulwark pictured returning to port

The stolen fuel was due to fill up generators powering HMS Bulwark, a 19,560-tonne assault ship.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: ‘The Ministry of Defence is aware of an incident last year involving the alleged theft of fuel from a contractor within HMNB Devonport.

‘There was no disruption to defence operations and the Ministry of Defence has no further comment.’

Looking for the latest Royal Navy updates from Portsmouth? Join our new Royal Navy news Facebook group to keep up to date.