Police: Pair Caught Trying To Steal Used Cooking Oil In Enfield

ENFIELD, CT — Two New York men were arrested after police said they were caught trying to steal used cooking oil from an Enfield business.

Officers were alerted Saturday that a white box truck previously used in a cooking-oil theft from an Enfield restaurant had returned to town, according to the Enfield Police Department.

Police found the truck at a shopping plaza, where its occupants were attempting to steal oil from another business, authorities said. Officers stopped the vehicle and arrested both men following an investigation.

Inside the truck, police said they found a large polyethylene liquid-storage tank, buckets, hoses and several masks. The occupants were also carrying more than $10,000 in cash, though police did not say whether the money was connected to the alleged thefts.

Police suspect the truck has been involved in other larcenies along the Interstate 91 corridor.

Leonel Ramirez-Savinon, 26, of Yonkers, was charged with conspiracy to commit fourth-degree larceny, attempted fourth-degree larceny and interfering with an officer.

Jeyson Santiago, 29, also of Yonkers, was charged with conspiracy to commit fourth-degree larceny, attempted fourth-degree larceny, disregarding a traffic signal and making an improper turn.

“Used cooking oil has value, and its theft can have a significant impact on local businesses,” police said.

Police said businesses can face lost revenue, property damage and cleanup costs when the oil is stolen.