Men arrested for stealing dozens of gallons of cooking oil in Brooklyn, Conn.

BROOKLYN, CT — Connecticut State Police have arrested two individuals in connection with the theft of dozens of gallons of commercial cooking oil from local establishments in Brooklyn, Connecticut. The arrests shed light on a growing and unusual black-market trend targeting restaurant waste management systems.

According to state troopers, the suspects were caught in the act late on November 27, 2024, after a suspicious vehicle was spotted parked behind a local commercial strip. Upon investigation, officers discovered the men in possession of specialized pumping equipment and multiple large drums containing siphoned cooking oil. The total volume of stolen oil was estimated to be in the dozens of gallons, valued at hundreds of dollars.

Used cooking oil has become a prime target for thieves due to its value when recycled into biodiesel fuel. Authorities have charged both men with larceny and conspiracy. Local business owners are advised to secure their waste oil storage tanks with heavy-duty locks and surveillance cameras to deter similar theft attempts, which can cause significant property damage and environmental cleanup costs.