13 December 2001
Avoid The Christmas Crush

MILTON Keynes Police are joining forces with the British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS) to launch the first initiative of its kind in the UK that will remind motorists to pay for their fuel.

From Monday a crushed car will be on display on the forecourt at the BP Supermart service station on the H5 Portway in Milton Keynes.

Pc Derek Mundy said: “Most offenders fail to notify the DVLA that they are the keeper of the vehicle, they don’t have insurance, tax or an MOT, and they simply drive off without paying for their fuel.

“The idea behind the display is to show the persistent offender that under certain circumstances their car may finish up crushed and looking like a box.”

When Milton Keynes Police find a vehicle believed to have been involved in a number of drive offs it may be seized as a vehicle used in crime. If the owner is found they will be asked to produce all their driving documents at a police station.

If they go to court compensation will be requested for the recovery costs and storage fees of the vehicle as well as the cost of the fuel they stole in the first place.

On the other hand if the owner cannot be found and doesn’t come forward to report the car as missing then it will be classed as abandoned and could be crushed.

Anyone who accidentally forgets to pay for their fuel will receive a telephone call or letter asking them to return and pay their bill.

“This initiative is aimed at those offenders who deliberately drive-off to avoid paying for their fuel. It is cheaper to pay for your fuel than to buy a replacement car”, added Pc Mundy.

Kevin Eastwood, BOSS executive director added: “This campaign gives a strong and clear message to everyone to think twice before driving off without paying for their fuel.

“The majority of motorists visiting Milton Keynes’ forecourts are law abiding - it’s the offenders who we want to catch. This year I am certain we will see a reduction in petrol station crime during the festive season.”

The display will remain on the BP Supermart forecourt throughout the Christmas and New Year period until Monday, January 7 2002.

BOSS was formed in 1991 by the oil industry and is supported by the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), home office crime reduction office 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.

Notes to editors: The display will be unveiled at the BP Supermart Petrol Station, H5 Portway in Milton Keynes, at 11am on Monday, December 17 2001. Photographers and reporters welcome.

Chief superintendent Mick Page (Milton Keynes Police) and Kevin Eastwood (BOSS) will be available for interviews regarding the initiative.

For more details:
Kevin Eastwood (BOSS) 01926 864757
Kate Broad Broad Communication Consultants 01509 843308
Thames Valley Police Press Office 01865 846699

Issued by:
Broad Communication Consultants
Tel: 01509 843308
Ref: BS 9/01