BOSS, The British Oil Security Syndicate, has been featured in the latest profile about forecourt security in Forecourt Trader magazine, stating that in the past, drive-offs were the scourge of petrol stations. Yes, they still happen, but not as often as no means of payment (NMoP) incidents.

According to British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS) stats, NMoP accounts for approximately two-thirds of all forecourt fuel crime incidents.

And BOSS analysis has found that only 10% of drive-offs are the result of motorists deliberately filling up and then driving away from a pump. These people are not entering the store to pay for their fuel, which means 90% of drive-offs are motorists failing to pay once they enter the store.

Shockingly when the staff at BOSS follow up on these non-payments, they often hear the same reply: “The cashier didn’t ask if I had fuel.” As if that were a good excuse!

Bruce Nichol, operations director at BOSS, says: “From a Crown Prosecution Service perspective, or from a policing perspective, as soon as you cross the threshold of the shop, into the payment area, you have shown an intent to pay for the fuel you have dispensed.

“We’d encourage all retailers to be extra vigilant, especially during busy periods, and when a motorist says ‘no fuel’, verify this by asking where they have parked.”

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