Officers are investigating after an increase in reported drive-offs, known as bilking, from petrol stations across Staffordshire recently.
Since the start of March, police have received more than 160 reports of bilking across garages in the region – particularly in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stoke-on-Trent and South Staffordshire.
Forty incidents were reported across a seven-day period from 21 to 27 March, where suspects have filled their fuel tanks and driven-off without payment.
A total of 34 incidents were reported last week, with a total of 15 reports so far this week.
Of these 15 incidents, roughly £1,000 worth of fuel has been reported stolen – with some drive-offs occurring after the driver has filled-up with £160 worth of fuel.
Chief Inspector David Wain, of Staffordshire Police, said: “Local policing teams continue to liaise with local businesses in order to strategise effective means of deterring these offenders.
“More often than not, suspects will seek to conceal their identity by covering their faces with masks and hoods and using the furthest possible pump from view.
“Vehicle registration plates may also be tampered with or cloned in an attempt to stop the offender from being identified.
“Thieves may also use the nearest pump to the exit in order to leave the scene as quickly as possible.
“Offenders may target businesses during busy hours – when it is increasingly likely they can slip under the radar and make good their escape.”
Chief Inspector Wain added that officers are encouraging the public and business owners to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police immediately.
“We are increasing proactive patrols across various hotspot areas and continue to liaise with businesses in order to identify and apprehend these offenders,” he said.
Inspector Rebecca Collier, of the force’s Early Intervention and Prevention Uni (EIPU), said: “EIPU continue to review and research these crimes on a force-wide scale – identifying any patterns and themes, including the most targeted petrol stations.
“We continue to work closely with our local uniformed colleagues to identify any problem solving issues, including visits to petrol stations with advice and guidance to prevent this trend”.
