A security breach has been confirmed at Larkhill Camp in Wiltshire after intruders cut through a perimeter fence and stole fuel from a tanker on site.
The incident took place on Saturday, with the stolen fuel belonging to a civilian contractor operating within the military garrison. The British Army said both the Royal Military Police (RMP) and Wiltshire Police have been informed and are investigating.
In a statement, the Army confirmed:
“A wire fence was cut, and fuel was stolen from a tanker belonging to a civilian contractor. The Royal Military Police and Wiltshire Police were informed, and no other damage or theft was discovered.”
The theft has reignited concerns over security at UK military bases, following a string of recent breaches. In June, two RAF Voyager aircraft were vandalised at RAF Brize Norton, prompting the Government to proscribe Palestine Action after the group claimed responsibility for the attack.
James MacCleary MP, the Liberal Democrat defence spokesperson, criticised the government’s handling of base security, saying:
“It is alarming that the government doesn’t appear to have learnt any lessons from recent security breaches at other military locations.
It is essential for British bases to remain totally secure, which is why the Liberal Democrats are calling for a full investigation into what happened.
The government should also urgently commission a comprehensive review into security across all UK military bases and assets.”
Larkhill Camp, located near Salisbury Plain, is a major Army garrison and training area used by several artillery and combat support units. Officials have not confirmed how much fuel was taken, but the incident has heightened scrutiny of security measures at UK military installations.
