FUEL thefts from filling stations have reached record levels as pump prices skyrocket.
Drive-away raids – where motorists fill up and leave without paying – have increased by 61 percent so far this year compared to the same period in 2021, says the Petroleum Retailers Association.
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Gordon Balmer, executive director of PRA, said the number of thefts “goes through the roof” with ten incidents per day reported.
Retailers will lose £ 25 million if the current rate of departure continues for the next 12 months, I claimed.
I added: “It’s a very difficult issue at the moment – and on the rise.
“You’re looking at almost £ 41 million in terms of costs for the fuel industry that are either stolen by driving away or people do not have the means to pay.
He added: “With the pressure on the police over the last few years, many police forces have said ‘This is not a criminal offense.
“‘This is a civil offense, so you have to deal with it.
“‘And if the real value of the crime is below £ 100, we will not send anyone out to police it.’
“It was raised by myself personally with the Home Office.”