Forecourt crime continues to grow
New figures have shown that forecourt fuel crime is continuing to grow, albeit at a slower pace.
Data from the British Oil Security Syndicate’s latest Forecourt Crime Index has revealed that the volume of forecourt fuel crime reported during the third quarter of 2021 increased by 9%.
In the three months to 30 September, the BOSS Forecourt Crime Index climbed to 185 from 170 in the previous quarter. The 9% quarterly increase was down on the prior quarter’s 20% growth due to drive-of incident reports rising at a slower rate in the period.
The index has also revealed that the average number of incidents per site increased to 18.7 from a previous 17.1. However, the average litres of fuel taken per incident rose by 20.5% to 56.3 litres.
Kevin Eastwood, BOSS executive director, said: “We’re getting to a stage where forecourt fuel crime costs forecourts nearly £100 million every year and it’s of great concern that incidents of this type of crime continue to grow. While the pace of the increase has slowed it is still putting added financial pressure on forecourt operators.
“Motorists claiming to have No Means of Payment is the biggest challenge facing forecourt operators and accounts for more than two thirds of all forecourt fuel crime by value. Fuel crime can cost an average forecourt outlet more than £10,000 in lost revenue every year.
“In the majority of cases motorists make a genuine mistake when they have no means to pay for fuel. We recommend that forecourt staff should follow well documented procedures, such as Payment Watch, so that motorist can return to pay either in person, via phone or online.”
