Don’t add fuel to fire

A new initiative to tackle fuel theft has been launched by Burwood Police in conjunction with the Motor Traders’ Association of NSW (MTA).
Burwood PAC crime manager, Detective Chief Inspector Ian Pryde, said the aim was to raise awareness of the offence and to encourage people to pay for their fuel.
“Failing to pay for the fuel you put in a vehicle is fraud and a crime – you are stealing from service station providers,” he said.
“Our officers take fraud very seriously and we encourage those who see others failing to pay for their fuel to come forward and let us know.
“These stickers will be placed at petrol bowsers to serve as a reminder to the community that if you fill up your vehicle with petrol, the next step is to ensure that you pay for it or you’ll likely receive a visit from police.”
MTA NSW’s Wayne Pickering said that the organisation had more than 3,000 members, which includes service stations, and these businesses wanted customers to be aware of criminal activity at the bowser.
“The MTA NSW understands important trends in the community, such as increasing petrol prices, and economic challenges, can fuel criminal activity locally,” Mr Pickering said.
“However, we do encourage people that if they see something, to say something.
“Report any fuel theft to your local police.
“We are pleased to partner with the NSW Police to help make residents aware of the impacts of fuel drive-offs on small business owners, especially service station owners.”
The initiative will be trialled in the area over the coming months with a view to roll out the program state-wide.