BOSS, the British Oil Security Syndicate, reports that it’s now recovering more than £1m a year on behalf of fuel retailers who are members of BOSS Payment Watch. The scheme is for forecourt retailers to seek to recover losses from motorists claiming to have No Means of Payment.
During 2017 the BOSS Payment Watch debt recovery initiative returned more than £1m to forecourt retailers, bringing the total recovered on behalf of forecourt retailers to over £4m. BOSS adds that it’s pursuing another £1.5m of debts from motorists claiming to have No Means of Payment and then failing to settle the debt.
Kevin Eastwood, pictured, executive director at BOSS, said: “Returning more than £1m during the last twelve months to retailers is a significant milestone for BOSS and demonstrates that forecourt crime is at an unacceptable level. During 2017 we saw the number of forecourt crime incidents involving motorists claiming to have No Means of Payment increase and, when combined with rising fuel prices, it’s putting further pressure on retailers. This problem must be tackled firmly to prevent it escalating.
“BOSS is taking a proactive approach and working in partnerships with police, which means that motorists who are shown to be persistent offenders and deliberately evading payment, are pursued and brought before the courts. In the last six months, BOSS has referred more than 50 No Means to Payment cases to the police for investigation. These add to numerous cases which are at various stages of prosecution and recent court action instigated by BOSS includes Thomas Standage, from Essex, being sentenced to eight weeks imprisonment.”
About BOSS
One third of UK forecourt retail outlets are members of the BOSS Payment Watch scheme and members include all the major fuel brands, leading independents and major supermarkets. Visit www.bossuk.co.uk.
