Four arrested in alleged 315-gallon diesel thefts

Four men were arrested in Ventura County, California, on suspicion of siphoning diesel from commercial trucks in a series of thefts dating back to August. Authorities say the thefts involved about 315 gallons of fuel worth roughly $3,330, with incidents reported in Oxnard, Camarillo and Thousand Oaks. Investigators used surveillance footage and automated license plate readers to link the suspects and their vehicles to the thefts; deputies arrested them on Oct. 13 after observing another alleged fuel siphoning and found large fuel tanks and pumping equipment in their van. The men were booked on suspicion of conspiracy and theft, and authorities said additional charges may follow.