Police have joined forces with a national scheme to help put the brakes on garage forecourt crime.
The force has teamed up with the British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS) and independent retailers to introduce a Forecourt Watch. Forecourt Watch creates a closer link between police, BOSS and retail staff to increase awareness, prevention and the reporting and recording of incidents.
Last Friday to celebrate the launch of the scheme in Darlington, teams of officers and PCSO’s attended garage forecourts, speaking to motorists about crime prevention and acting as a visible deterrent to would-be thieves. “We’re pleased to be working with BOSS to tackle forecourt crime, which has a huge financial impact and is also linked to other types of criminal offences, “ said PCSO Liam Robertson.
Dave Young, BOSS co-ordinator for the north east, added: “Drive-off incidents cost the UK oil industry approximately £16million last year. “Our aim is to maintain fuel stations as a safe environment for customers and staff, targeting those people who drive off without paying for their fuel and using service stations as a route to commit more serious crimes.”
Research shows that offences of driving off without paying for fuel are often linked to offenders or vehicles involve in other types of crime and to disqualified drivers, those without insurance, tax of MOT or vehicles with false plates.
