New scheme to drive crime off the forecourt
Wednesday, 14 October, 2009
THIEVES who fill up and drive off from service stations are the target of a new scheme launched by police and industry partners today.
Police in Accrington have joined forces with The British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS) and independent retailers to introduce Forecourt Watch across the Borough.
The scheme creates a closer link between police, BOSS and retail staff to increase awareness, prevention and the reporting and recording of incidents.
The Forecourt Watch scheme, which is being rolled out to every service station across Hyndburn, is the latest addition to the 70 schemes already operating throughout the UK.
Geographic Inspector for Hyndburn, David Mangan, said: "Lancashire Constabulary is committed to working in partnership with others to reduce crime and bring criminals to justice. The theft of fuel has a significant impact on consumers, retailers and the police.
"Forecourt Watch will lead to positive changes in the way we manage forecourt crime - driving down fuel theft, increasing the number of detections and maintaining this business environment as a safe place for staff and customers alike."
Kevin Eastwood, Executive Director of BOSS, said: "Drive-offs and No Means of Payment incidents cost the UK petrol industry approximately £30 million every year. By building successful partnerships with local police, fuel retailers and other agencies through initiatives such as the BOSS Forecourt Watch schemes, which we are delighted to be launching in Accrington, we are able to deter and prevent crime on forecourts, maintaining the significant progress already made in reducing instances of theft from service stations throughout the UK."
Since the start of 2009, there have been over 62 recorded incidents where people have made off without paying for fuel, across Hyndburn, totalling around £3,000 with a key period for offences shown as early evening.
Research shows that 'Drive-off' offences are often linked to offenders or vehicles involved in other types of crime as well as to disqualified drivers, those without insurance, road tax or MOT, and vehicles using false or altered number plates.
BOSS Forecourt Watch documentation for the recording and notifying of 'Drive-offs' and 'No Means of Payment' incidents will be provided to staff at all forecourts taking part in the scheme. This enables service stations to work in conjunction with police and BOSS to help bring offenders to justice.
High visibility stickers and posters on the forecourt itself will raise awareness among customers and potential thieves that Forecourt Watch is in operation and making off without payment is a criminal offence.
Service stations registered with the scheme will also benefit from sharing information with police and each other on suspects, vehicles and known offenders - to maximise disruption and detection of offences.
Anyone with information or concerns about service station 'Drive-offs' can contact police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
