Recently, Suffolk County police arrested a man for stealing used cooking oil from a Chick-fil-A in Huntington Station multiple times over two months. This incident sheds light on a larger problem affecting eateries on Long Island and beyond. Used cooking oil, once disposed of, is now in high demand due to its various uses. Processors purchase the oil from restaurants to transform it into biofuel, cosmetics, and animal feed. However, with the escalating price of oil, theft has become a lucrative endeavor for criminals.
Environmental Services, Inc. (ESI) in Yaphank reports losing nearly half of the collected oil to theft. Thieves break into the collection receptacles, leaving businesses with significant financial losses. Restaurants like Barona Bay in Hampton Bays have experienced oil theft nine times in three months, incurring not only monetary damages but also disruptions to their operations. This rise in used cooking oil thefts is a serious concern for the restaurant industry. The stolen oil, which could have been responsibly recycled, ends up hurting both businesses and the environment.
CBS2 covered the full story on this disturbing trend, raising awareness of the issue. Authorities, businesses, and the public are urged to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to combat this growing crime.
