Adelaide pair charged after 'modifying van to steal fuel'

An Adelaide pair have been arrested and a modified van with a 1000-litre fuel tank seized in connection to the theft of fuel from across the metro area.

It's alleged 33-year-old Jason Willoughby and his 28-year-old partner stole large quantities of petrol and diesel beginning in August last year using a modified Toyota Hiace van with stolen plates.

The couple allegedly began pumping fuel into the large tank and into jerry cans and paying for it using an app and stolen credit card details. 

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However, when this system failed to work in January, the pair allegedly began driving off without paying.

Police are investigating 90 individual reports of theft.

"It's sophisticated, obviously the alleged perpetrators knew what they were doing," Motor Trade Association's Kaes Cillessen said.

The pair were arrested at a Cheltenham address on Saturday before officers seized a van - the tank of which had approximately 420 litres of diesel inside.

Senior Constable Peter Williams said the fuel tank was also fitted with a bowser, hose, and pump to distribute the stolen fuel.

Police also located and seized two gel blasters from the property.

Willoughby and the woman were arrested and charged with multiple counts of making off without payment, possessing a firearm without a license and breach of bail.

Willoughby has been charged with petrol drive-offs from at least 19 service stations across Adelaide's northern, eastern and western suburbs.

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The pair both fronted court Monday.

Willoughby was remanded in custody and will reappear in May.

The woman was granted bail to reappear next month.

9News understands more arrests are possible.

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