Police say the thefts involved a silver Mazda SUV fitted with a tank that was used to carry stolen diesel. (Supplied: SA Police News)

A man has been arrested amid a police investigation into the alleged theft of more than $12,000 worth of fuel in multiple petrol drive-offs over recent months, mostly in Adelaide’s north.

SA Police said the thefts involved a silver Mazda SUV that had false number plates and that contained a sizeable tank in its rear.

The vehicle was allegedly involved in as many as 20 petrol drive-offs between December 28 and April 14, and police said the driver would either fill the vehicle with unleaded fuel or the tank with diesel.

Police said that, after an investigation to identify the car, they last night attended the home of its owner at Two Wells.

A 36-year-old man was arrested and charged with three counts of theft.

“The Mazda SUV was located along with other registration plates,” police said.

Police said the man would face the Elizabeth Magistrates Court on May 29, but added that they anticipated further charges.

“The diesel thefts were of large value with many being over $1,000 per incident,” police said.

“The total value of fuel stolen was in excess of $12,000.”

Police described the thefts as neither “opportunistic” nor one-offs.

“They were deliberate and calculated in their endeavour to commit these thefts and hide the identity of their vehicle,” they said.

“Transporting large amounts of fuel in such a way is not only placing the driver in danger but also other road users.”

SA Police recently reported a surge in petrol thefts in Adelaide, following the outbreak of the Middle East war.