State Police Warn Businesses After Cooking Oil Thefts In The Region

On Monday, July 20, 2026, the New York State Police issued an announcement warning businesses about multiple recent attempts to steal used cooking oil from local businesses.

Several incidents have been reported recently, involving suspects who have been siphoning used cooking oil from restaurant storage tanks. This type of oil is valuable because it can be recycled into products such as renewable fuels, making it an attractive target for thieves.

Recent Incidences Of Cooking Oil Theft

Recent incidents include July 9, 2026, around 7:20 a.m when State Police from the Deposit barracks were dispatched to the River Run Restaurant on Faulkner Road in the town of Sanford for a report of a larceny.

According to the report, 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. The restaurant owner blocked the van from leaving the property.

30-year-old Donaldo Jones Morel Castro from the Bronx, New York, was charged with attempted Petit Larceny. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Around 9:30 a.m. on July 18, 2026, New York State Police from the Endwell barracks 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.

The men left the area but were stopped by New York State Troopers and members of the Broome County Sheriff’s Department on Interstate 81 in the town of Binghamton, where they discovered tanks containing used cooking oil inside the box truck, along with industrial hoses and a gas-powered water pump.

26-year-old Barry Charles and 29-year-old Nasir Bey, both from Newark, New Jersey, were charged with Attempted Petit Larceny, Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the 5^th degree, Possession of Burglar Tools, and Conspiracy in the 6^th degree. Both were issued appearance tickets and released.

Taking Steps To Reduce The Risk Of Theft

New York State Police are advising local businesses that maintain cooking oil storage containers 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 vehicles or individuals on the property immediately by calling 911

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Filed Under: Binghamton News