An average of almost £200,000 worth of fuel has been stolen from gas stations daily following the onset of the Iran oil crisis. Forecourt Eye, a fuel theft prevention company, reported a 20% increase in theft incidents in the five months post the conflict compared to the previous five months.
Due to the surge in pump prices driven by the war, the estimated value of stolen fuel rose by 48%, amounting to a daily average of £194,000 across 8,359 forecourts during that period. First-time offenders experienced a 23% rise in theft incidents and a 26% increase in the amount of fuel stolen compared to repeat offenders, which saw a 17% increase in incidents and a 20% rise in stolen fuel volume.
These statistics are based on data from a sample of 550 gas stations, encompassing drive-offs where payment is not made and incidents of customers claiming inability to pay after filling up. The average price of petrol reached 160p per liter, a 27p increment from pre-conflict levels and a three-and-a-half-year peak. Diesel prices also surged post-war to an average of 179p per liter, up by approximately 37p.
Forecourt Eye is providing complimentary access to crime reporting technology to its clients to facilitate the documentation of fuel thefts and other illegal activities. Users will have the opportunity to participate in a live facial recognition network managed by Facewatch to receive alerts about known offenders. Michelle Henchoz, the managing director of Forecourt Eye, emphasized the importance of integrated technology in safeguarding gas stations and convenience stores against increasingly sophisticated criminal activities.
Gordon Balmer, the executive director of the Petrol Retailers Association, noted a rise in abuse and aggression towards gas station staff members who have no control over fuel prices. He highlighted the significance of combining technologies to help retailers deter crime, handle incidents, and aid police investigations.
Ben Lawrence, a director at Lawrences Garages, highlighted a shift in fuel theft from individuals engaged in other criminal activities to a broader spectrum due to the escalating cost of living. He dispelled the misconception that gas stations affiliated with major energy companies are operated by these corporations, emphasizing that small businesses are often the operators. Lawrence stressed the financial impact on independent gas stations when customers drive off without paying for fuel, underscoring that the loss directly affects station owners who have already purchased the fuel.
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