Fuel theft at British filling stations rises sharply
The theft of fuel from British petrol stations has risen sharply in recent years. Between July and September, operators requested the details of vehicle owners in connection with fuel theft in almost 40,000 cases, according to the RAC Foundation organization, citing data from the DVLA.
This is an increase of 77 percent compared to the same period last year, when 22,335 requests were made. In the third quarter of 2019, there were 8558 incidents.
The British Oil Security Syndicate estimates the average loss at 10,500 pounds (12,090 euros) per petrol station per year. In most cases, the drivers drove off after filling up without paying, it added. Fuel theft in the UK is punishable by up to two years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
The increase comes as no surprise, said RAC Foundation boss Steve Gooding, pointing to the significant increase in shoplifting. The sharp rise in the cost of energy and food, for example, is tempting some people to drive off without paying.
However, it could also be a sign of "more systematic criminal activity". This would be a real headache for the industry. Financial losses for suppliers and operators would only lead to higher costs for everyone, Gooding warned.
- To combat the rise in fuel theft, some petrol stations have started offering CCTV services to monitor their facilities more closely, recognizing that traffic at these stations often increases during peak hours.
- Traffic congestion around fuel stations can sometimes make it difficult for staff to monitor vehicles thoroughly, potentially leading to instances of car owners driving off without paying for gasoline or diesel.
- To address the issue of fuel theft, some car owners have been advised to park in well-lit areas while refueling to deter potential criminals, while also keeping an eye on their vehicles to prevent instances of theft or drive-offs.
Source: www.dpa.com
