Police crack down on forecourt fuel thieves

POLICE have launched a crackdown on drive-off petrol thefts after a massive rise in the number of incidents at forecourt around Greater Manchester.

Officers believe spiralling fuel costs have led to a growth in the crime — 10,000 incidents in two years — which is costing thousands of pounds in stolen fuel.

Thieves fill cannisters in the boot of their cars fitted with stolen number plates and drive off without paying.

In the latest incident a brazen thief targeted forecourts in Failsworth and Harpurhey, Manchester.

He was caught on CCTV pumping petrol into his tank and canisters in the boot, at Asda in Rochdale Road, Harpurhey. He then went on to target the Morrisons petrol station in Oldham Road, Failsworth, driving off without paying only 20 minutes after the first incident.

Driving a Mazda, fixed with a false number plate, the robber made off with a total of nearly £200 of fuel in the two incidents.

Detectives estimate hundreds of thousands of pounds have been stolen over the past two years, and say every station in Greater Manchester is a target.

Det-Insp Dave Turner, of Longsight police, said: “It’s difficult to say the level of sophistication and organisation, but it’s obvious there is quite a few involved.

“CCTV does have a part to play but it is very difficult for cashiers to deal with a large number of customers and watch everything going on out on the forecourt.”

Police confirmed they have made a significant arrest on Wednesday as part of the crackdown, in which the person admitted to a further 20 drive-off incidents.

The surge in petrol theft has coincided with a rise in number plate thefts, which criminals then place on cars to avoid detection.

Det-Insp Turner said: “Petrol theft also poses a real danger.

“If people are carrying it around in their boot and they have an accident, it’s likely to go up and that could be catastrophic.

“The individuals involved are benefiting greatly, and this is a large-scale problem. People need to be aware.”

He went on to say that there is a definite argument that the fuel is being sold on.

He also assured law-abiding drivers that all avenues were being explored when questioned about the possibilities of staff turning a blind eye to such thefts.

The public are now being urged to inform the police of any information as to people behind both number plate and petrol thefts.

Contact on 0161-856-4488 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.