12 November 2001
'Working Together Is Key To Reducing Forecourt Crime' - says Police Chief

‘Petrol stations are an integral part of our community and local communities should be encouraged to value and protect them - we can all do something about forecourt crime’, was the clear message for delegates attending this year’s North West British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS) conference from the Assistant Chief Constable (Operations) of Cheshire Dave Griffin.

Mr Griffin, who opened BOSS’s fourth annual seminar at Widnes in Cheshire, said that he was encouraged by the success Forecourt Watch schemes in significantly reducing forecourt crime.

Forecourt Watch is a scheme run by BOSS in partnership with the police and petrol retailers. There are currently more than 40 schemes running across the UK and Northern Ireland.

“BOSS is an excellent example of true partnership. Police can not fight forecourt crime on their own - we have to work together in partnership and we can only operate effectively with the help of petrol retailers,” said Mr Griffin

Delegates were then treated to an invaluable insight into a wide range of forecourt deterrents which can help to reduce the significant annual cost of forecourt crime to the petrol retailer which currently stands at nearly £50 million.

Subjects which were covered at the seminar included how Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology is proving effective in Forecourt Watch schemes, credit card skimming, and new data protection laws.

The conference organiser, BOSS regional co-ordinator for the North West John Turtle was delighted with the day and the delegates’ response.

He said: “The BOSS seminar has been an excellent forum for interested parties to meet and exchange practical solutions on reducing forecourt crime. Our research reveals that people who commit crime on petrol forecourts are often involved in more serious crime. By working in partnership with police forces and petrol retailers 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 (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.

BOSS is arranging more seminars throughout the UK in 2002.

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

Issued by:
Broad Communication Consultants
Tel: 01509 843308