BBC Morning Live presenter Greg Rutherford has issued a stark warning about rising fuel thefts after oil was stolen from his rural family home, urging others to remain vigilant.
The Olympic champion and television personality spoke out after falling victim to the theft, which occurred several years ago but reflects a growing trend amid soaring fuel prices. Co-hosting Morning Live with Louise Minchin on Thursday, April 23, the pair discussed a pre-recorded segment highlighting a 62% surge in petrol thefts compared to the previous year.
Personal Experience Shared on Air
After the segment aired, Louise turned to Greg and said: "And you've been affected by this, haven't you?" Greg replied: "I have, that makes my blood boil, honestly." He explained: "We had our oil delivered, because we live in a rural area, the following day, the whole family went out for a nice day, we came back and the heating wasn't working, trying to work out what's going on, thought can't be the oil, eventually checked it, the oil had been taken!" He added: "That's a few years ago, it's been going on for a long, long time, just always be vigilant."
Rural Life and Previous Incidents
Greg resides in Buckinghamshire with his partner Susie and their three children. The former Dancing on Ice star often shares glimpses of his domestic life on social media. Two years ago, he revealed a frightening incident where a skylight suddenly exploded, describing it as "one of the most terrifying" moments of his life. He posted a video showing the damage, saying: "One of our skylights up here just exploded. I was literally standing in the kitchen, watching the TV on the wall, and it just went bang. Glass went everywhere." Fortunately, no one was injured; his son Milo had been nearby moments earlier. Greg said: "Kid you not, two minutes before, Milo was down here doing some school work. I said, 'It's a nice day, go out on the deck, mate.' And thank god I did that because if not, I can't even imagine what could have happened." He added: "I've no idea if it's the sun that's heated it up or if something like this happens, but I cannot explain to you how terrifying."
Morning Live airs from 9:30am weekdays on BBC One and iPlayer.
