Thieves who fill up and drive off from service stations, often using stolen number plates, are the target of a new scheme launched by Gwent Police and partners in Torfaen….
Between 1 June and 8 September 2011, there were 24 instances of drivers filling up their vehicles with fuel and then driving off without paying. Eleven of these crimes (45 per cent) were committed using stolen registration plates.
Officers in Torfaen have joined forces with the management of local service stations as well as the British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS) – an organisation set up to fight forecourt crime. The BOSS Forecourt Watch scheme creates a closer link between police, BOSS and service stations to increase awareness, prevention and the reporting and recording of incidents.
Each service station will use the OWL (Online Watch link) system to communicate information directly with police in Torfaen – and with each other.
Signs are being put up in local service stations to remind potential fuel thieves that driving off without paying for fuel is a crime and work is underway to catch any offenders. Service station staff are also being given tips on the prevention of this type of crime.
PCSO Hannah Gillum, of Pontypool Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We’re very pleased with the response we have received from all nine fuel stations in Torfaen. By working in partnership with BOSS and local service stations, we hope to deter and reduce the number of instances of theft of fuel from service stations over the coming months. We would like the public to get behind this campaign and report their suspicions by calling 101. Alternatively, local people can pass any information anonymously via Crimestoppers and tell us who is committing these thefts.”
BOSS Regional Co-ordinator Peter Fender added: ‚ÄúWe‚Äôre pleased to be launching this new scheme with Gwent Police. Drive-off incidents cost the UK oil industry approximately £15 million in 2010. By building successful partnerships with local police, fuel retailers and other agencies through initiatives such as the BOSS Forecourt Watch schemes, we are able to deter and prevent crime on service station forecourts. Our aim is to maintain service stations as a safe environment for customers and staff, targeting those people who drive off without paying for their fuel and use service stations as a route to commit more serious crimes.‚Äù
If you have any information regarding the theft of fuel from service stations, please contact Gwent Police on 101 or in an emergency, dial 999. Or you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS) is a ‚Äònot for profit‚Äô trade organisation campaigning to reduce forecourt crime. Formed in 1991 by the oil industry, its members include all BP, Shell, Texaco and Total branded service stations. BOSS is supported by the United Kingdom Petroleum Industry Association (UKPIA), UK Payments Administration, Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). For further information about BOSS – visit –
