Three men detained in Rēzekne on suspicion of diesel fuel thefts

The State Police in Latgale have detained three men suspected of diesel fuel thefts in the city of Rēzekne and the surrounding municipality. One of the detainees was born in 1987 and two in 2001. According to police, around 850 litres of diesel were stolen in total in September and October 2026, causing financial losses to several companies.

Police received reports of multiple such thefts in September and October. During the investigation, officers established that the group may be linked to several of the cases.

Detention after a night-time theft

On the night of 22 October 2026, several people broke into the fuel tank of a company's machinery in Rēzekne and stole at least 40 litres of diesel. Officers of the Northern Latgale Investigation Unit of the State Police Latgale Regional Board, acting on operational information, detained the three men immediately after the offence.

As the investigation continued, police obtained evidence suggesting that the detainees could also be connected to other thefts recorded between September and October. Fuel was taken from excavators, a tractor, a wood chip screener and other machinery.

Criminal proceedings

The detainees have been given a security measure that does not involve deprivation of liberty. Police have opened criminal proceedings on six offences under Section 175, Part 3 of the Criminal Law. It covers theft committed by entering a vehicle, dwelling or other premises, or from a storage facility, as well as vehicle theft. The penalty may be up to five years in prison, short-term imprisonment, probation supervision, community service or a fine, with or without confiscation of property.

The State Police remind the public that no one is considered guilty until guilt is proven in accordance with the procedure set out by law.

Police advice for machinery owners

To reduce the risk of theft, police recommend keeping machinery in a closed, fenced and well-lit area, using video surveillance with cameras aimed at the parking spot and access roads, fitting lockable fuel tank caps, and considering fuel level sensors that can reveal a sudden drop in fuel.