The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) has raised concerns about the police’s attitude towards motorists who drive away from a petrol station without paying for fuel.
The PRA says that Devon and Cornwall Police has indicated it would not investigate such incidents unless there was obvious proof of criminal intent - such as false number plates. The force has blamed Government cuts for the decision.
Brian Madderson, PRA chairman, said: “We are alarmed by the growing rate of petrol theft over the last five years.
“Incidents of ‘bilking’ have risen due to pump prices going up steeply, and now that police are broadcasting this as a low priority, this will no doubt encourage thieves further.
“Forecourts are being urged to be proactive and toughen up their security, however smaller independent garages who don’t have the financial resources will still largely be at risk.
“Petrol retailers are paying high business rates, part of which contributes towards spending in the police force, and so for the police to put sole responsibility of fuel theft on the garage is both unfair and irresponsible.
“The PRA has written to Mike Penning MP informing him of our concerns surrounding this issue and we have requested an immediate meeting to discuss the seriousness of this growing problem amongst police authorities.”
PRA member Clive Sheppard of Bodmin Moor Services added: “This new initiative seems very ill considered, undermines the credibility of the police and ultimately puts the public at risk as we are seemingly being encouraged to tackle crime ourselves.”
Colin - 04/06/2015 14:07
Surely an easy way to stop this is to only allow payment by card at the pump. If a cash customer you have to go to the cashier to pre pay for the amount of fuel you want, the cashier presses a button to release your fuel and the pump stops when you get to that amount. All you are doing is making the transaction the other way round. I have used this system in Florida and it works well.