MOTORIST organisations are warning people with garages to use them - to prevent opportunist thieves stealing their petrol.

The AA said today said drivers should be on their guard following on from cases earlier this year when prices soared and thieves cut fuel lines of cars to drain the petrol.

Motorists can reduce their own fuel consumption through five simple and effective methods.

Cut motorway speeds from 80 to 85 mph to the 70 mph speed limit - driving at 10 to 15 mph above the speed limit consumes seven per cent more fuel for a small car and five per cent for a medium car.

Moderate you speed on other roads - reducing your speed from 70 mph to 55 mph improves fuel consumption by nearly a quarter for a small car and 18 per cent for a medium car.

Turn off your air conditioning - air conditioning pushes up fuel thirst by as much as 10 per cent on slower roads.

Pump up your tyres - under-inflated tyres drain fuel economy at a constant 2.5 per cent. Pump them up to the manufacturer's recommended pressure, but do not over inflate.

Avoid queues if you can - an idling engine in a small car wastes petrol at the rate of 1.5 pence per minute - double that for a medium-size car.