According to the British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS) 2010 survey, the main source of the estimated total loss is GB pound 15.5 million resulting from ‘drive off’ incidents. A further GB pound 4.5 million is lost from motorists claiming to have ‘no means of payment’ (NMoP) on the day and then they fail to return to clear their debt.
BOSS is addressing these problems on several fronts. At a local level, where it’s established Forecourt Watch schemes are operating successfully then losses have been shown to fall by up to 55%.
These schemes are initiated by BOSS on behalf of its members. They help to forge productive working relationships between retailers and local police that ensure the swift and efficient detection of forecourt crime.
On a national level, BOSS has introduced a new NMoP debt recovery scheme. Available to any fuel retailer, the scheme helps them to recover financial losses incurred as a result of NMoP incidents. This has the dual benefit of deterring such activity and at the same time returning money to retailers.
The combined drive off and NMoP loss for the average UK service station in 2010 compared with the previous year has risen by 2.5% in terms of litres, but in reality by 19% in cash terms due to the effect of increased fuel prices.
The BOSS survey results also show that robbery losses (including attacks on contractors collecting cash or re-stocking cash machines) are up slightly at GB pound 1.43 million, while burglary losses have fallen to GB pound 0.72 million.
With robbery, of course, there’s the added threat of personal injury because it often involves violence or the threat of violence. However, reports of crime-related injuries to staff are at their lowest level since BOSS began recording such figures.
Commenting on the survey results, Kevin Eastwood – executive director of BOSS – told SMT Online: “The rise in losses shows how essential it is to deter this type of crime. We are pressing ahead to expand the number of our Forecourt Watch schemes and increase participation in our pioneering NMoP debt recovery scheme, which is now available across the UK for BOSS members and associates: many participating service stations are reporting in excess of 80% of monies recovered.”
Eastwood added: “We have other initiatives under development with the police service that will benefit our members and other partners when it comes to combating criminal activity at Britain’s service stations.”
New scheme launched to drive down forecourt crime in Rutherglen
Criminals who fill up with fuel and drive off without paying are the target of a new scheme launched in South Lanarkshire by police and industry partners.
Extending an already successful link-up, Strathclyde Police has broadened its association with BOSS and independent retailers to introduce Forecourt Watch in Rutherglen, just outside Glasgow in South Lanarkshire.
Forecourt Watch creates a closer link between the police, BOSS and retail staff to increase awareness, prevention and the reporting and recording of incidents.
The Rutherglen scheme, which is being rolled-out at six key sites in the district, is the latest addition to some 70 schemes already operating throughout the UK.
Pictured below at the Rutherglen launch are (from left to right): Liz Wallace (Shell, Stonelaw Towers), BOSS co-ordinator for Scotland Jim Anderson; PC Maryann Bolton, Nan McCutcheon (BP Rutherglen Filling Station), Imran Razzique (Shell, Stonelaw Towers) anc chief inspector Kenny Easton.
Robust action to be taken against offenders
Commenting on the introduction of the Rutherglen scheme, chief inspector Kenny Easton said: “Forecourt Watch is being launched to tackle the issue of drive-off thefts from garage forecourts in Rutherglen and Cambuslang. Strathclyde Police, in partnership with the garage operators and Rutherglen and Cambuslang District Crime Prevention Panel, will take action against those persons identified as carrying out these types of theft in a robust manner. The initiative should send out a clear message that thefts from petrol stations in the area will not be tolerated.”
Jim Anderson, BOSS co-ordinator for Scotland, added: “We’re pleased to be extending our partnership with Strathclyde Police, which has already achieved some notable successes in apprehending persistent offenders. Drive-off incidents cost the UK oil industry approximately GB pound 14 million last year. By building successful partnerships with local police, petrol retailers and other agencies through initiatives such as the BOSS Forecourt Watch schemes we’re able to deter and prevent crime on service station forecourts as well as bring offenders to justice.”
Anderson concluded: “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 use service stations as a route to commit more serious crimes.”
Links to other forms of criminality
Research shows that offences of driving off without paying for fuel 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 number plates.
BOSS Forecourt Watch documentation for the recording and notifying of drive-off incidents will be provided to staff at all forecourts taking part in the scheme. This enables fuel service stations to work in conjunction with police and BOSS to help bring offenders to justice.
High visibility stickers and posters on the forecourt itself will raise awareness among customers and potential thieves that Forecourt Watch is in operation, and that making off without payment is a criminal offence.
Service stations registered with the scheme also benefit from sharing information with police and each other on suspects, vehicles and known offenders. This helps to maximise disruption and the detection of offences.
For more information visit the BOSS Uk website (a dedicated link is provided at the foot of this page)