Preventing fuel theft
Fuel theft is a significant and wide-ranging crime that affects many different areas, people and businesses across the force area.
Fuel theft is often when someone takes petrol or diesel from a petrol station and does not pay for it. This is known as bilking.
It is a major issue for fuel retailers around the UK, but it can also be a problem for farmers, motorists, homeowners, and those in the construction industry.
Tips to stop fuel theft in petrol stations
To help prevent bilking:
- 10-second check – take 10 seconds to look at the pump, the person filling up, and the vehicle before activating the pump
- use fuel management systems – these can help identify fuel theft through recording the users, date and time of use.
- install highly-sophisticated CCTV systems capable of number plate recognition – to make sure any footage can be viewed in court.
- have a clear view of all the pumps – ensure your staff can see all pumps at all times, particularly in darkness when is it essential your forecourt is well lit.
Spot a thief
If someone is behaving suspiciously on the forecourt, key signs they may be about to commit fuel theft include:
- the driver staying behind the wheel while a passenger fills up the vehicle with fuel
- the driver using the vehicle or the pump to try and hide their face and body
- the vehicle is angled towards the exit to try and get a quick getaway
- doors that have been left open
- the number plates have been deliberately covered or tampered with
- a motorcyclist who has not taken their helmet off
- the vehicle’s lights are still on, suggesting the engine is running
Tips to stop theft from fuel tanks
Static, above-ground fuel tanks and mobile bowsers are most at risk of fuel theft, both in diesel tanks on farms and on construction sites.
Farmers and businesses can help reduce the risk of fuel theft by:
- securing fuel tanks with robust locks and keep the fill point capped
- using anti-siphoning devices – installed in the filler aperture of the fuel tank to stop a pipe from being dipped into the fuel and the fuel being sucked out of the tank.
- positioning fuel tanks in well-lit, visible locations where possible
- installing CCTV or motion-activated lighting to deter offenders
- regularly checking fuel levels and report any suspicious activity promptly
- considering marking fuel or using tracking measures to help identify stolen property
- keep any hedges and fencing maintained, so tanks are not hidden from view