More than 70 Forecourt Watch schemes have now been launched in the UK, aimed at reducing the amount of crime taking place on petrol stations.

These schemes are all initiated by BOSS, in partnership with local police and petrol retailers, the concept is so successful that the goal is to have them operating in every major city throughout the UK.  

Robbery and theft are crimes which both present the potential for physical injury to petrol station staff and customers. As a result significant effort by the industry in partnership with police is being devoted to both these areas.

Drive-offs (known to the police as bilkings) where people drive away without paying for their fuel account for a significant proportion of the industry’s losses. Last year (2007) estimated losses to our industry exceeded £22 million. Further losses estimated at over £6 million were incurred when motorists claimed to have no means of payment, were granted temporary credit but never repaid their debts.

Petrol retailers are encouraged to inform the police and their neighbouring petrol forecourts of criminal activity so action can be taken before crimes are committed elsewhere.

There are many successes with results in reduction of criminal activity often as high as 70%.

Forecourt Watch is an excellent example of a true partnership approach to addressing petrol station crime. There are real benefits for all concerned – apart from the criminal.