Recent reports of stolen cooking oil are on the rise, either because the crime is becoming more frequent, more people are becoming aware of it, or because restaurant owners are realizing the financial impact it has on them. Inedible kitchen grease is typically stored in tanks outside restaurants, which are emptied by the purchasing company about once a month. However, between collections, anyone can easily pull up to the tank, siphon the grease, and sell it for a significant profit, meaning the restaurant is out that same amount of money.
Understanding the Problem
The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requires that transportation fuel sold in the United States contain a minimum volume of renewable fuels. This means that fuel sellers need used sources like cooking oil to add to their fuel to comply with the regulations. As gas prices increase, so do the prices of oil, allowing restaurants to earn more for the oil they sell. Unfortunately, oil as a commodity is not a well-known concept, and law enforcement often does not prioritize it. This type of theft is unexpected and unorthodox, leaving many restaurants unprepared. They often have their oil tanks located at the back of the restaurant with no protection and few or no cameras. Thieves typically use unmarked, inconspicuous trucks to steal the oil, blending in well in a parking lot. If anyone does attempt to secure their property, it may backfire, bringing damage to chains, locks, and fences as thieves try to gain access. They might even damage the tank if a firewall or other obstacle is stopping them from taking the grease. This oil theft can lead to substantial financial losses over time if the theft accumulates. Essentially, thieves are stealing future revenue that restaurants need to maintain their income stream. With rising prices, it becomes increasingly important for restaurants to secure this money.
Signs of Grease Theft
Unidentifiable, unmarked, logo-less trucks usually arrive at night with large tanks in their beds. They pull up next to the restaurant’s oil tank at the side or back of the establishment and proceed to empty it by pumping the oil from the restaurant’s container into their own. Trucks that collect oil commercially and pay for it have IKG (Inedible Kitchen Grease) stickers and company names prominently displayed on their trucks, and their personnel typically wear uniforms. These legitimate collections usually occur during daylight hours and business hours; no reputable company would send someone at night in an unmarked truck with personnel dressed in casual or dark clothing. If you notice suspicious activity or that your oil levels are fluctuating or are lower than they should be when the legitimate company comes to collect, your oil is likely being stolen.
Preventative Measures
There are several measures you can take to deter thieves, even if it might risk some property damage, as it may also prompt the police to take the situation more seriously due to the defacement of property. Install locks and place a fence around your tank. Set up alarms, and most importantly, install a security camera that records so you can provide evidence to the police. Every precaution you take discourages thieves, and many will give up trying to steal your cooking oil before they even begin.
Remember, a camera is pointless in the dark, so if you install a camera, also install proper and significant lighting. Even if you don’t install a camera, motion lighting can be effective because people are braver in the dark. Those highlighted by a spotlight might chicken out, fearing that they will be spotted or recorded, either of which could very well be true.
For more protection, monitor your tank levels. There should be no drastic drops, and even small drops should raise alarms. Keep your grease containers up to date and in good condition so that you know if they have been tampered with. Schedule pickups during business hours, and be aware of when they are scheduled so that you know all nighttime activity is likely criminal.
Finally, teach your staff what to look out for, the signs that indicate someone is stealing, as described in the previous paragraphs. Inform them how and what to report when they see such activities. This way, they will be prepared to respond immediately, giving you and the police a better chance of stopping and catching the thief in the act.
Reporting and Legal Measures
Just call the police and tell them what you saw. Simple as that. What might be hard to remember but will help your case is to get the license plate number, vehicle description, and a description of the person. Write it down if necessary and give all the information to the police. If you’ve been monitoring your oil levels, you can even tell the police how much cooking oil was stolen. Do you have insurance? Documentation could help you get some money back. Help the police, and they’ll try to help you. They might not catch the thieves, though, because this crime won’t take precedence, so it’s best to try to hinder the thieves from coming in the first place.
Recent Incidents
For example, in April, there was a reported incident of grease theft captured on video, highlighting the ongoing issue. You can watch the report here: Grease Theft Incident.
It costs money to buy oil, so if you want a return on your investment, it makes sense to sell your used oil after use. To avoid losing that money entirely, you should install safeguards and put protection in place over your oil storage. Then, if you’re still getting robbed, notify the police immediately about your stolen cooking oil, giving them as much information as possible, and hopefully, they will catch the culprit before they sell your oil. Stay vigilant, because this unconventional crime can significantly reduce your income.
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