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Fuel theft at British petrol stations is on the rise
More and more drivers in Great Britain drive off after filling up without paying. Photo
© Joe Giddens/PA Wire/dpa
Life is also becoming more and more expensive in Great Britain. This has an impact: not only is shoplifting increasing, fuel theft has also increased rapidly. Or is there more to it?
The theft of fuel from British Petrol stations have increased significantly in recent years. Operators requested data from vehicle owners in connection with fuel theft in almost 40,000 cases between July and September, said the RAC Foundation, citing data from the transport agency DVLA.
This is an increase of 77 percent compared to the same period last year, when 22,335 inquiries were made. In the third quarter of 2019 there were 8,558 incidents.
The British Oil Security Syndicate organization estimates the average damage at 10,500 pounds (12,090 euros) per gas station per year. In most cases, the drivers drove off after filling up without paying, it said. Fuel theft in the UK can result in up to two years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
The increase does not come as a surprise, said RAC Foundation boss Steve Gooding, pointing to the significant increase in shoplifting. The sharp increase in costs for energy and food, for example, is tempting some people to drive off without paying.
But it could also be a sign “of more systematic criminal activity.” This would cause a real headache for the industry. Financial losses among suppliers and operators will only lead to higher costs for everyone, Gooding warned.