January 2000
BOSS Scheme Wins National Recognition

The British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS) has won national recognition for its Forecourt Watch partnership scheme with Lincolnshire Police.

The Boston with Holland scheme, launched in January 1998 (link to press releases) took second prize in the Policy and Industry Partnership category of the 1999 Security Excellence Awards organised by Security Installer and Security Management Today.

One of over 30 Forecourt Watch schemes launched by BOSS around the UK, this has proved to be the most successful to date with 64% fewer offences of driving away from petrol forecourts without paying for fuel reported within its first six months.

Information received about crimes committed or suspicious incidents is passed on to Neighbourhood Watch offices via a 'Watchline System' at Lincolnshire Police. Petrol forecourt owners are then automatically telephoned every hour with the information until they acknowledge they have received it.

A total of 48 out of the the 49 local petrol retailers signed up to the scheme which is backed by the security department of Lincoln Co-operative Society, Target Newspapers of Boston, Lincolnshire Free Press and the Spalding Guardian newspaper.

TV presenter Steve Rider presented the Forecourt Watch partners with their awards at a ceremony lunch at the Four Seasons Hotel in London on 12 November.