Spy operation nabs fuel thief at RM depot in Inverness

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Spy operation nabs fuel thief at Royal Mail depot in Inverness

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A SURVEILLANCE operation caught a Royal Mail van delivery driver stealing fuel for his personal use from the company’s Lotland Street depot in Inverness.

Kevin Chalmers began taking the fuel to meet the costs of his travel to work after he was transferred to the city, Inverness Sheriff Court heard.

His solicitor said Chalmers was struggling financially when his wife had to give up work due to illness.

First offender Chalmers (53) of Cairns Croft, Drummond Woods, Whitebridge, Inverness-shire admitted on various occasions between July 1, 2010 and September 21, 2010 at Lotland Street in the course of his employment with Royal Mail stealing 60 litres of fuel.

Depute Fiscal Safeena Rashid explained how a surveillance operation was set up by Royal Mail when suspicion fell on Chalmers.

She said he was observed taking two large red cans from his delivery vehicle, filling them up and then taking them to his own vehicle which was parked in Harbour Road on the Longman Industrial estate.

He put the cans into his own vehicle and then drove off.

She said he had been transferred by his employers to Inverness in 2009.

William Young, solicitor for Chalmers, said he had been employed as a driver for five years with Royal Mail but was now working as a lab technician.

"Until June of last year his wife had been in employment. She took ill and was unable to work and without her income they had financial difficulties," said Mr Young.

"He was taking the fuel and using it to travel from his home to his work which is approximately 25 miles."

The solicitor told the court he claimed to the Royal Mail what he did was in desperation because his wife was unwell and unable to work.

Sheriff Margaret Neilson told Chalmers his actions were a "gross breach of trust".

But in sentencing him she said she took into account the fact he had no previous convictions and had repaid the cost of the fuel.

She imposed a fine of £400.