Police have released a rogues’ gallery of wanted suspects after a huge increase in motorists driving off from petrol stations without paying for fuel.

Drivers have been using fake registration plates to hide their identities in the scam which has swept across the Bradford district.

Police have recorded 906 offences of making off without payment for fuel between November 1, 2010, and October 31, 2011 – a 40 per cent rise.

Now they have released a series of CCTV images of those wanted in connection with the offences as part of a major clampdown on vehicle-related crime across the district, in particular the theft of fuel and the use of stolen registration plates.

Jean Cole, petrol station manager at Morrisons in Girlington, said most petrol cheats filled up their tanks, with as much as £100 of fuel, before driving off without paying.

“We get about three make-offs a week, week in, week out. It’s a nightmare and has been getting steadily worse in the last year.

“It’s a significant amount of money. We are vigilant, but there’s very little we can do to stop it. We welcome the police releasing the CCTV images and the other action they are taking.”

Detective Chief Inspector Mark McManus, of Bradford South CID, said failing to pay for petrol was a growing concern.

He said: “We have seen a 40 per cent increase in ‘make-off’ offences from fuelling stations.

“We believe this is directly connected to the theft of registration plates from vehicles in the area. Offenders are removing the plates and using them to mask the true identity of their own vehicle, which they then use to fill up with fuel.

“These people then attempt to make away from forecourts in the belief that they and their vehicle cannot be traced.”

Filling stations have been targeted across the district, including at Girlington, Thornbury and Odsal. It is thought most of the thefts are simply to get away without paying. But some of the vehicles involved in the make-offs may be used in more serious crime.

Det Chief Insp McManus said theft was a serious offence which carried a significant custodial sentence.

He said: “The increasing price in fuel and the general economic climate could be contributory factors, however this is absolutely no excuse for such behaviour.

“Why should genuine, law-abiding members of the public have to accept those in their community who think it is OK to take what they wish?”

He added: “The assistance of members of the public is crucial and we have released these CCTV images to increase the pressure on those responsible.

“When vehicles are attacked for their plates, it can be a huge inconvenience to the owner, particularly if they are then used to commit crime.

“Over the last few years, we have been holding initiatives at local supermarkets, fitting free anti-theft screws to number plates. This continues to take place across the district and I would encourage motorists to follow the Neighbourhood Policing Team Facebook sites to find out when the next event is planned in their area.

“Prevention is always better than cure and if we can make it difficult for these thieves to obtain plates in the first place, we can reduce the problem.”

Brian Madderson, chairman of Retail Motor Industry Petrol, said: “Crime related to fuel has doubled in the last 12 months. It’s a major issue. I am very pleased for the retailers in Bradford that the police are really keen on this.”