Police in Darlington have joined forces with a national scheme seeking to combat garage forecourt crime. The Durham force has teamed up with the British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS) and independent retailers to introduce Forecourt Watch in Darlington.
The watch scheme links police, BOSS and retail staff to increase awareness, prevention and the reporting and recording of incidents. The Darlington scheme, being rolled out to nine key sites, is the latest addition to 126 schemes already runnng in the UK.
On Friday, July 27, to mark the launch of the scheme in Darlington, teams of officers and PCSOs are attending 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 £16m 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.”
BOSS points to research that drive-off offences are often linked to offenders or vehicles involved in other types of crime and to disqualified drivers, those without insurance, tax or MOT or vehicles with false plates.
About the British Oil Security Syndicate Ltd
BOSS is a not-for-profit trade organisation formed in 1991 by the oil industry. Members include all BP, Shell, Texaco and Total branded service stations, and independent retailers. 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 – visit www.bossuk.org.
