Mahoney Environmental Customers and Theft Prevention Team Help Lead to Nine Arrests in Three States in Under a Month

WOODRIDGE, Ill., Nov. 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Mahoney Environmental, a leading used cooking oil (UCO) recycler, today shares that its Grease Theft Rewards Program and Theft Prevention Team supported four recent incidents in three states that resulted in nine arrests in under a month.

Recent Incidents

• Cranston, R.I. (Sept. 11): Police made two arrests after locating a suspect vehicle at PJ's Pub. About 100 gallons of UCO were taken. Mahoney's Sales and Theft Prevention teams collaborated on the case.
• Plymouth, Ind. (Sept. 17): A King Gyros owner spotted a truck stealing UCO on camera and called dispatch. When the truck returned, police arrested two men.
• Evansville, Ind. (Sept. 29): Officers responded to a theft in progress and found roughly 300 gallons of UCO in the suspects' van. Two men were charged.
• Beverly, Mass. (Oct. 10): A neighbor alerted a business owner, who watched surveillance footage and called police. Officers made three arrests.

Why Quick Reporting Matters

Annually, UCO theft costs restaurants and recyclers millions of dollars, and thieves can empty a container in minutes. In each case, someone noticed something wrong and acted.

"Restaurant owners have enough to worry about without wondering if their oil is safe overnight. That's why every Mahoney customer is eligible for a reward when their tip leads to an arrest and/or conviction. We want customers to know that speaking up is worth it, and that we have their backs," said Beau Mega, SVP of Sales and Marketing, Mahoney Environmental.

How the Program Works

Mahoney's dedicated Theft Prevention Team works closely with law enforcement and customers to identify and prosecute UCO thieves. All customers are eligible for cash rewards, and rewards vary between misdemeanor and felony convictions and are granted per vehicle. To report a theft or learn more, visit the Mahoney Environmental Grease Theft Rewards Program.

All individuals arrested are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

About Mahoney Environmental

Founded in 1953, Mahoney Environmental helps food service operators nationwide recycle used cooking oil, enabling nearly 100% material recovery at all facilities. In 2020, Neste (HEL: NESTE) acquired Mahoney Environmental, strengthening the global supply chain for sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel production. Mahoney is a licensed EPA and ISCC Certified recycler committed to creating a safer planet for future generations.

SOURCE Mahoney Environmental