18 February 2000
New BOSS Co-ordinator appointed for the East Midlands

Newly appointed Regional Coordinator for the British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS), Bruce Nichol, is used to keeping cool in an emergency. As a Warwickshire Fire and Rescue Watch Commander, he is the perfect choice for his new role helping to fight forecourt crime in the East Midlands. Bruce, who will continue with the fire service, is based at Leamington Spa. He said his fire-fighting experience has already taught him about how petrol forecourts operate. Now he is looking forward to working with local police and petrol retailers to extend the BOSS Forecourt Watch scheme to every retailer in the region. There are currently 3 Forecourt Watch schemes in the East Midlands. "These schemes show criminals that petrol retailers and police are working together to save thousands of pounds currently lost through crime and make forecourts safer places for customers and staff," said Bruce. BOSS Executive Secretary Kevin Eastwood said the organisation is pleased to have Bruce on board. "He will bring a new perspective to our work and is a very welcome addition to the team," he said. "BOSS Forecourt Watch schemes are becoming increasingly important in fighting and reducing forecourt crime. With Bruce on board I am sure we will soon see positive results in the East Midlands."

A BOSS crime survey revealed that crimes committed on Britain's petrol forecourts are costing the oil industry £47.2 million each year. According to the survey the most common and costly crime is credit card fraud which accounts for losses of £12.2 million each year. Motorists driving off without paying for their fuel cost the industry in excess of £11 million. BOSS was formed in 1991 by the oil industry and is supported by the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), Home Office Crime Prevention College and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). BP, Esso, Jet, Q8, Shell, ChevronTexaco and TotalFinaElf are all member companies. The aim of the organisation is to reduce the amount of crime taking place on Britain's petrol forecourts.

For further information, please contact:
Kevin Eastwood BOSS Tel: 01926 864757