'Disappointed' Northampton petrol station owner calls on police to do more to tackle rise in fuel theft

A Northampton petrol station owner fears the end of their business after a gradual rise in fuel theft – and they are now calling on the police to do more.

The owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, says they are losing around £150 per week in fuel thefts and believes it is worse since prices went up significantly.

The owner said: "We are very, very disappointed. We are not at all protected. Fuel crimes are rising day by day, unfortunately police are not helping. We do not report these crimes to police because we know police do not take such action. In some cases we do a report and think police are going to help. We don't feel protected. If it continues in this way I may not be able to run my business. If the fuel crime keeps rising I will have to quit. I cannot afford to run it, I only get a tiny bit of commission. If I lose £100 a day it's not worthwhile for me to run the business."

The owner said they are losing around £150 per week because of fuel theft.

They said: "I'm losing about £150 every week these days. Gradually the crimes have increased - it's because of the fuel prices [rising]. Before the fuel rises you were able to fill the car up for £50 - £60 but now you fill up the car with £90 - £100."

Northamptonshire Police urged people to continue to report offences to them.

A police spokeswoman said: "We ask the public to report a crime to us when it happens.

“If a customer has left a petrol station or garage forecourt without making a payment, and you think it was an honest mistake, you can make a civil recovery.

“If you think the driver intentionally drove off without paying, this is a criminal offence and should be reported to us.”

In September, fuel loss service Forecourt Eye referred to a police report which warned petrol station owners of rising thefts due to the cost-of-living-crisis.