11 December 2001
New Forecourt
Crime Prevention Scheme In West Lothian
Lothian and Borders Police has teamed up with the British Oil
Security Syndicate (BOSS) in a new crime prevention initiative
aimed at reducing the amount of crime taking place on service
stations.
West Lothian Forecourt Watch is the first scheme of its kind
to be introduced to the area.
A crime survey by BOSS has revealed that each forecourt loses
£3,200 to crime every year, totalling more than £3
million per year for the whole of Scotland.
The scheme - involving 27 petrol forecourts in the Livingston
and Bathgate area - will particularly target people driving
away without paying for their fuel, which has been increasing
during the past few years.
Using a 'ringround' communications system, Forecourt Watch
will provide local retailers with an early warning of any crimes
being committed on petrol forecourts in the area, together with
details of suspects and their vehicles.
Chief Superintendent Allan Shanks of Lothian and Borders Police,
said: "Forecourt Watch is an excellent example of petrol
retailers working in partnership with the police. I am certain
that it will have a positive impact in reducing this type of
crime.’’
BOSS Co-ordinator, Jim Anderson added that Forecourt Watch
is proving to be a great success elsewhere in Scotland.
“This is a particularly busy local traffic area and our
scheme will help to reduce the growing level of drive-offs taking
place,” he said.
“Our research reveals that people who commit crime on
petrol forecourts are often involved in more serious crime.
By working in partnership with the Lothian and Borders Police
and petrol retailers to reduce forecourt crime we can also help
to reduce a variety of other crimes.”
BOSS was formed in 1991 by the oil industry and is supported
by the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), Home Office Crime
Reduction College and the Association of Chief Police Officers
(Scotland). 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: Jim Anderson Sgt David
Campbell
BOSS Lothian and Borders Police
Tel: 0141 577 5354 Tel: 01506 445674
Issued by:
Broad Communication Consultants
Tel: 01509 843308
Ref: BS 9/01
