Police reminder over fuel ‘drive-offs’

The vast majority of drive-offs are often due to human error and people do later pay when their error has been pointed out to them. There have been many instances where customers fill up at the pumps and then purchase other items inside. By the time they reach the checkout they may have forgotten about their fuel purchase.

Managers should encourage staff to ask everyone who approaches the counter if they have purchased fuel thereby saving any hassle or embarrassment.

However there are still some motorists who will deliberately try to evade paying for fuel and Police encourage forecourt owners to take measures to help prevent the number of drive-offs occurring. This can include displaying clear signs around the pumps asking motorists to ensure they have the necessary funds to pay for their fuel and installing CCTV.

Staff should also be vigilant to activity on the forecourt and report anything suspicious to the police immediately. Don’t forget to note down details such as registration numbers and a description of the driver.