Owner of Bury St Edmunds restaurant Casa speaks out over cooking oil thefts

The owner of a Bury St Edmunds restaurant targeted by cooking oil thieves in June has spoken out to highlight what she believes to be a growing issue.

Maria Broadbent who owns CASA, a popular tapas eatery in Risbygate Street, has addressed the thefts after police warned that large quantities of cooking oil were being stolen from restaurants and eateries.

Months ago, staff at the restaurant foiled an attempt by thieves to raid its stocks of cooking oil.

Yesterday, Suffolk Constabulary issued advice to the hospitality industry, warning of the risks posed by gangs targeting eating establishments.

Criminal groups are increasingly seeking out cooking oil, which they can then convert into biodiesel for sale on the black market.

Mrs Broadbent has emphasised that members of the public have a role to play in combating the thieves.

She noted that the rise in thefts was being driven by the spiralling value of cooking oil.

Mrs Broadbent said: "Cooking oil used to cost us £18 for five litres. It's now more than double that, and, from some suppliers, triple that."

In their recent notice to restaurants, the police urged staff to secure cooking oil in a locked cage, if possible.

Mrs Broadbent does not believe this is actionable advice for many restaurants.

She said: "The problem is, if you make something too hard to access via a gate, then thieves are likely to damage gates and prise locks open in order to get the stuff out.

"Most places don't have the space for a cage."

Cooking oil is potentially hazardous, and those transporting it around are required to observe strict protocols.

Suffolk Constabulary said that thieves were likely to mishandle the oil, raising safety concerns.

Mrs Broadbent felt the public had a role to play in deterring thieves.

She said: "If anybody's walking around town, and they see people in unmarked vans, lugging stuff around, in or out of commercial premises, then they should alert the premises.

"They should ask: 'Did you know somebody's coming and collecting goods from your premises?'

"The community in Bury's very good and very supportive. People just need to keep their eyes open."