Don't let them get off free!

7:36am Thursday 15th May 2008

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Witnesses who report crimes committed on filling station forecourts are to be offered rewards.

All 54 filling stations across the Bradford district support the campaign and will be displaying the Name, Shame and Claim posters urging people to report those responsible for forecourt crime, including robbery, theft and assault.

The British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS), whose members include Esso, BP, Shell, Texaco and Total, has just published a report showing a 13 per cent increase in national overall losses during 2007, with the problem of forecourt crime expected to grow throughout 2008.

The new campaign, which could be extended to the rest of West Yorkshire if it proves successful in Bradford, was unveiled at Esso's ring road petrol station in Rooley Lane, Bierley.

Store manager Oliver Edwards, who welcomed the new initiative, said: "I would say we have about ten make off without payments every week and every time someone drives off without paying, it's a loss to us or the fuel company and that directly affects people's petrol prices.

"Having suffered an armed robbery at the end of last year, we welcome the campaign and hope it, along with other initiatives already in place, will help deter criminals."

Mr Edwards revealed that one member of his staff was still off work following the armed robbery in October 2007, in which the cashier received a blow to the head and was taken to hospital.

"It put everybody on edge for some time," said Mr Edwards. Crime reduction officer Jacquie Thomas, of West Yorkshire Police, said: "It's not just a case of making off with a full tank of petrol.

"Many organised criminals have converted cars and even vans to hold large tanks in the back which they then fill with petrol before making off without paying.

"The likelihood is that this fuel is then sold or used by other criminals.

"With Name, Shame and Claim', we're urging people to report those responsible."

Sergeant Gary Haworth, regional co-ordinator of Crimestoppers, said: "People can be reluctant to call the police but can call Crimestoppers anonymously and in complete confidence. We would urge anyone who witnesses forecourt crime to contact us.

"If the call leads to a successful arrest the called could receive anything between £100 and £1,000 for their help in tackling forecourt crime."

BOSS regional co-ordinator John Turtle said: "Crime on Britain's forecourts is a serious issue which damages business and can affect local communities.

"The efforts of the industry to work in partnership with organisations such as Crimestoppers and police forces around the country is indeed making an impact and this initiative with West Yorkshire Police is a further step in the battle to reduce forecourt crime."

Police already use the automatic number plate recognition on vehicles, CCTV and train staff to combat crime. Staff are regularly invited to training sessions with the police to advise them of the latest preventative measures and updates on forecourt crime.

To report a forecourt crime, call 0800 555 111.

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