Strathclyde Police is working with retailers in the West End of Glasgow to tackle drivers who fill up and fail to pay for their fuel. Police and local retailers with the British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS) have operated BOSS Forecourt Watch schemes in the Partick and Garscadden areas for several years. Police officers are patrolling forecourts to deter fuel theft and apprehend offenders.
Insp Gillian Docherty said: “Working with the local retailers and BOSS allows us to jointly tackle this problem head on and to identify those criminals responsible for this type of crime at the earliest opportunity. Being able to work together to raise awareness in the community is a very effective way of preventing crime and I am pleased to have these partners on board to help get the message across.”
Jim Anderson, BOSS Co-ordinator for Scotland, added: “We’re pleased to be able to strengthen our partnership in these areas with Strathclyde Police, and offer our support in reinforcing the message that taking fuel without payment is a crime and that offenders will be pursued and brought to justice.”
Forecourt watches seek to increase awareness, prevention and the reporting and recording of incidents. There are almost 130 other Forecourt Watch schemes already operating around the UK. For more information – visit www.bossuk.org
Notes
The British Oil Security Syndicate Ltd. (BOSS) is a not-for-profit trade body, formed in 1991 by the oil industry. Members include all BP, Shell, Texaco and Total branded service stations, including 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). Visit www.bossuk.org
