NYSP warns businesses about thefts of used cooking oil
- The NY Pulse
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
The New York State Police are warning businesses that store used cooking oil on their property to remain vigilant following multiple recent attempts to steal used cooking oil.
Troopers have responded to several incidents involving suspects siphoning used cooking oil from restaurant storage tanks. Investigators believe additional businesses may have been targeted but were never reported.
Used cooking oil has become a valuable commodity because it can be recycled into products such as renewable fuels, making it an attractive target for thieves.
On July 9, 2026, at approximately 7:30 a.m., Troopers from SP Deposit were dispatched to the River Run Restaurant on Faulkner Road in the town of Sanford for a report of a larceny.
A male was observed in a commercial Ford Van with a green hose connected to the restaurant’s used cooking containers, pumping oil into the van. When Troopers arrived, the restaurant owner had blocked in the van from leaving the property.
Troopers arrested Donaldo Jones Morel Castro, 30, of Bronx, New York, charging him with attempted Petit Larceny, a misdemeanor. Morel Castro was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Sanford Town Court on July 31, 2026, and released.
July 18, 2026, at approximately 9:30 a.m., Troopers from SP Endwell were dispatched to Lupo’s Char-Pit on East Main Street in the town of Union for a report of two men attempting to steal used cooking oil.
An employee confronted the two men who were in a rental box truck bearing New Jersey license plates. The men left the area but were stopped by Troopers and members of the Broome County Sheriff’s Department on Interstate 81 in the town of Binghamton.
During the investigation, Troopers located large tanks containing used cooking oil inside the box truck, along with industrial hoses and a gas-powered water pump.
Both men identified as Barry D. Charles, 26 of Newark, New Jersey and Nasir A. Bey, 29 of Newark, New Jersey. They were each charged with:
Attempted Petit Larceny, a misdemeanor
Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 5th degree, a misdemeanor
Possession of Burglar Tools, a misdemeanor
Conspiracy in the 6th degree, a misdemeanor
Both men were issued appearance tickets to the Union Town Court on August 4, 2026, and released.
Businesses that maintain cooking oil storage containers are advised to take steps to reduce the risk of theft, including:
Installing cameras that monitor the storage areas
Keeping storage tanks in well-lit areas whenever possible
Using locks on containers
Reporting suspicious vehicle or individuals on the property immediately by calling 911
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