There has been a sharp rise in drivers leaving petrol forecourts without paying, a new investigation reveals.
The latest figures given to ITV News by the British Oil Security Syndicate show there are now around 1.5 million non-payment incidents a year – on average costing each site £7,500.
The data reveals a typical ‘drive- off’ is worth just over £50 and the average forecourt is now suffering around 10 non-payment incidents a month.
In addition, the ITV investigation reveals the criminal techniques that have become widespread, including ‘double tanking’ – where thieves carry more than one fuel container to maximise their gains – and using false number plates.
The AA told ITV News that it believes more retailers will switch to payment in advance pumps in future, but that would drastically reduce footfall inside their shops.
