Aisne firefighters' fuel card theft leads to convictions

Four individuals, including two 15-year-old adolescents, have been sentenced for stealing a fuel card belonging to the Departmental Fire and Rescue Service (SDIS) in the Aisne department of France.

The theft was discovered after a broken window was found on one of the institution's vehicles, revealing that several items, including the fuel card, had been taken. The suspects used the card 137 times across 14 different gas stations, resulting in an estimated total loss of approximately 22,000 euros.

To evade detection by surveillance cameras, the group utilized disguises and vehicles with false license plates. Following an investigation by gendarmes from Sissonne and Laon, the suspects were identified.

On October 2, the Laon Correctional Court delivered sentences for the two adults involved. Both received 18-month suspended prison sentences accompanied by two years of judicial supervision. The court also ordered the seizure of funds and required the defendants to provide partial restitution to the SDIS for the material damages incurred.