PCSO Jon Lewis, Karl Hewishon & Joe Clemence from the petrol station and Sgt Ellen Reeves
Criminals who fill up with fuel and drive off without paying in Cardiff are the target of a new scheme launched by police and industry partners.
South Wales Police and a number of petrol stations have joined forces to introduce Forecourt Watch in the Fairwater policing area of Cardiff.
Forecourt Watch creates a closer link between police and retail staff to increase awareness, prevention and the reporting and recording of incidents. Service station staff will take details of any vehicle which drives off without paying and will swiftly pass the information to police.
The scheme involves petrol stations in Danescourt, Radyr and Llandaff North.
Sergeant Elen Reeves, from the Fairwater Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “The scheme has been designed to provide a joined up approached between the police, local businesses and neighbourhood partners in dealing with these offences.”
Posters on the forecourt itself will raise awareness among customers and potential thieves that Forecourt Watch is in operation and that making off without payment is a criminal offence. Photos of the offending vehicles involved will be shared among the petrol stations in order to prevent incidents from occurring.
Research shows that offences of driving off without paying for fuel are often linked to offenders or vehicles involved in other types of crime and to disqualified drivers, those without insurance, tax or MOT, or vehicles with false or stolen number plates.
In February and March 16 drivers made off without paying for their petrol in the Fairwater policing area and 14 people reported that their number plates had been stolen.
Karl Hewison, store manager at the Texaco Garage in Danescourt, said: “It is encouraging that other forecourts have joined the scheme and hopefully we can work together to reduce drive-offs.
“The support of the police and the visual presence on the forecourt is very welcome.”
