Morbihan construction firms targeted by repeated diesel thefts

Construction and transport companies in the Morbihan department of France are facing significant financial and operational strain due to repeated diesel thefts. Calou TP, a public works company based in Saint-Nolff, has been particularly hard-hit. Managing director Pascal Lajaunias reports that since the beginning of 2026, the company has lost between 18,000 and 20,000 euros following approximately 30 separate thefts totaling roughly 10,000 liters of fuel.

In addition to the direct cost of the fuel, the thefts cause secondary damages including the destruction of equipment, such as fuel tank caps, and significant administrative burdens from filing numerous police reports. Operational delays also occur when machinery cannot be used immediately due to empty tanks.

To combat the issue, companies are implementing increased security measures, such as using surveillance cameras and technical safeguards on vehicles. However, these investments represent additional costs for businesses attempting to protect existing assets. Despite these efforts, perpetrators continue to target machines left on construction sites or company yards overnight.