Thieves Target New Bedford Restaurants for Cooking Oil

Multiple businesses on Acushnet Avenue report the theft of used cooking oil during a series of nocturnal incidents.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Property Crime

Thieves Target New Bedford Restaurants for Cooking Oil

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Suspects used pumps and hoses to steal used cooking oil from three restaurants on Acushnet Avenue in New Bedford. The incidents occurred on Monday night, October 26, 2026.

Why it matters

Used cooking oil has gained significant value on the black market as a raw material for biodiesel production. This spike in market demand has led to a recent wave of targeted thefts across the region.

Three specific businesses, including G&S Pizza, Mikey B's, and Cafe Roma, were targeted by the thieves. Local authorities have not yet announced any arrests related to these specific New Bedford incidents.

The players

G&S Pizza

This local business was one of the three establishments on Acushnet Avenue targeted by thieves.

Mikey B's

This local restaurant reported the theft of its used cooking oil inventory.

Cafe Roma

This dining establishment was identified as one of the victims of the recent oil theft spree.

The details

The thieves operated out of a vehicle in the parking lots of the affected restaurants. They used specialized equipment, including a pump and a hose, to quickly extract the used oil from outdoor containers.

Earlier this month, a group from Worcester attempted oil theft in Beverly.
Last week, two individuals from New York were arrested for cooking oil thefts in Beverly.
The New Bedford restaurant oil thefts occurred on Monday night, October 26, 2026.

Legal Context

These thefts mirror a recent crime trend where perpetrators travel between cities to target restaurant grease traps. This development follows a pattern set by the recent series of cooking oil thefts in Beverly.

Restaurant owners and residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity involving vehicles parked near grease containers at night. Increased vigilance may help deter further thefts while police investigate these organized operations.

The takeaway

The rise of biodiesel manufacturing has turned restaurant waste into a high-demand commodity prone to theft. Local business owners should consider installing secure, lockable lids on their grease containers to prevent unauthorized access.