£1,000-worth of petrol stolen in the space of a single week

POLICE have issued a warning after a huge rise in motorists driving off without paying from petrol stations.

According to Staffordshire Police, suspects are donning masks before filling up their cars and then leaving the forecourt without making a payment.

In some cases, registration plates have been tampered with, meaning CCTV cameras can only pick up inaccurate information about the driver and vehicle. Garages are also targeted during busy hours of the day, so their actions do not arouse attention.

Approximately £1,000worth of fuel has been stolen in Staffordshire, last week alone, during 15 separate incidents.

From March 21 to 27, 40 separate fuel thefts were reported to police. One driver filled up with £160 worth of fuel before driving away.

It comes as some garages are struggling with a lack of fuel, following climate change protests which have affected fuel delivery times.

Chief Inspector David

Wain, of Staffordshire Police, said: “Local policing teams continue to liaise with local businesses in order to strategise effective means of deterring these offenders. More often than not, suspects will seek to conceal their identity by covering their faces with masks and hoods and using the furthest possible pump from view.

“Vehicle registration plates may also be tampered with or cloned in an attempt to stop the offender from being identified. Thieves may also use the nearest pump to the exit in order to leave the scene as quickly as possible. Offenders may target businesses during busy hours – when it is increasingly likely they can slip under the radar and make good their escape.”

Chief Inspector Wain said that officers are encouraging the public and business owners to be alert, and report suspect activity to the police immediately.

He said: “We are increasing proactive patrols across various hotspot areas and continue to liaise with businesses in order to identify and apprehend these offenders.”

Inspector Rebecca Collier, of the force’s Early Intervention and Prevention Uni (EIPU), added: “EIPU continue to review and research these crimes on a force-wide scale – identifying any patterns and themes, including the most targeted petrol stations.

“We continue to work closely with our local uniformed colleagues to identify any problem solving issues.”