Norfolk Constabulary has joined forces with The British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS) and independent retailers to introduce Forecourt Watch across the county.
The scheme is designed to create a closer link between police, BOSS and retail staff to increase awareness, prevention and the reporting and recording of incidents.
The Norfolk Forecourt Watch scheme, being rolled out to more than 40 key stations across the county, is the latest addition to the 70 schemes already operating throughout the UK.
Major impact
Marking the launch of the scheme at Shell Sweet Briar petrol station in Norwich, Chief Superintendent Bob Scully said: “Norfolk Constabulary is committed to working in partnership with others to reduce crime and bring criminals to justice. Fuel theft is not a victimless crime and has an impact on consumers, retailers and the police.
“Forecourt Watch is the first operation in the county between police, BOSS and independent petrol retailers and will lead to positive changes in the way we manage forecourt crime – driving down fuel theft, increasing the number of detections and making this business environment a safer place for staff and customers alike.”
Between September 2007 and 2008, there were 499 recorded incidents of making off without payments – known as ‘bilkings’ – across Norfolk, with a key period for offences shown as late afternoon and early evening.
Research also showed that bilking 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 number plates.
Working together
BOSS Forecourt Watch documentation for the recording and notifying of ‘drive-offs’ and ‘no means of payment’ incidents will be provided to staff at all forecourts taking part in the scheme. This enables petrol 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 making off without payment is a criminal offence.
Service stations registered with the scheme will also benefit from sharing information with police and each other on suspects, vehicles and known offenders – to maximise disruption and detection of offences.
Safe environment
Tom Sterling, BOSS Regional Co-ordinator, says: “Drive-offs and No Means of Payment incidents cost the UK petrol industry approximately GB pound 30 million every year.
“By building successful partnerships with local police, petrol retailers and other agencies through initiatives such as the BOSS Forecourt Watch schemes, we are able to deter and prevent crime on petrol forecourts. Our aim is to maintain petrol stations as a safe environment for customers and staff.”
The scheme will be rolled out at stations identified by police analysis as vulnerable, either through location or recorded incidents.