BOSS survey: forecourt crime in UK on the rise during 2009

The main source of the estimated total loss is £14 million resulting from ‘drive off’ incidents, with a further £3 million lost from motorists claiming to have ‘no means of payment’ (NMoP) and who then fail to return to clear their debt.

Reports show that, where British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS) Forecourt Watch schemes are operational, losses have fallen. Forecourt Watch schemes are initiated by BOSS on behalf of its oil company members, helping to forge productive working relationships with local police and ensure the swift and efficient detection of forecourt crime.

However, despite local successes, the overall volume of fuel taken is now higher than a year ago. The combination of rising volumes and increasing prices resulted in losses at the average BOSS member site rising by 40% between the first quarter of 2009 and the same quarter in 2010.

Widespread adoption of Forecourt Watch

Kevin Eastwood, executive director of BOSS, has commented on the report's findings: “This trend shows an urgent need for more widespread adoption of Forecourt Watch, and demonstrates the value of our pioneering NMoP recovery scheme," stressed Eastwood. "This is currently being rolled out across the UK for BOSS members and associates."

Eastwood continued: "The new initiatives that we and our members are implementing, along with the police and other partners in order to combat criminal activity at Britain’s service stations are making a difference. The combined effort has been effective, but we need constant innovation to keep the problem under control.”

The survey results also showed that burglary losses in 2009 amounted to £0.8 million, with losses from robbery at £1.4 million (the latter figure including attacks on contractors collecting cash or restocking cash machines). With robbery there is the added threat of personal injury because it involves violence or the threat of it.

New Forecourt Watch for Norfolk

Norfolk Constabulary has now joined forces with BOSS and independent retailers to introduce Forecourt Watch across the county. The scheme creates a closer link between the 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.

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."

He added: “Forecourt watch is the first operation in the county between the 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.”

Key periods for offences

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 shows 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.

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 the 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.

Shared information with the police

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.

Tom Sterling, BOSS regional co-ordinator, added: “Drive-offs and No Means of Payment incidents cost the UK petrol industry approximately £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.