RAWALPINDI, Feb 14: An inquiry has been launched into the theft of fuel from the local police vehicles which has been causing a huge loss to the department since long, Dawn has learnt.

The inquiry was launched after an inspector of the legal branch observed that there was something wrong with the fuel tank of his official vehicle, as its tank was full when he had left it but found it empty the following day.

“Yes, an inquiry has been launched on the complaint of the inspector about the theft of petrol from the police vehicles,” DSP Headquarters Akbar Abbas confirmed when contacted for comments.

Another police official said that theft of fuel from police vehicles parked at the Police Lines was a common complaint. A source at the Police Lines said that the driver of a police prison van was stunned when he saw the fuel needle touching zero. The tank was full when he had parked the van at the Police Lines Saturday night.

After parking the van, the driver had asked the officials concerned to keep their eyes skinned, as its fuel tank was full, the source said. The police source estimated that Rs10,000 worth of fuel was stolen every night.