6 September 2001
Forecourt Initiative Takes Limelight at BOSS Conference

Forecourt Watch - the partnership scheme between the British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS) and police - will be spotlighted at this year's annual BOSS North West seminar which takes place on Wednesday, 10 October 2001, at the Auto Quest Stadium in Widnes, Cheshire.

There are more than 40 Forecourt Watch schemes successfully operating across the UK and some have seen drive-offs reduced by more than 60 percent.

Both BOSS and the police have heralded the Forecourt Watch initiative as an effective tool in the fight against service station crime, which currently costs petrol retailers nearly £50 million each year in lost revenue.

Delegates will to hear from police representatives about how Forecourt Watch initiatives can help them and about the effectiveness of using Automatic Number Plate Recognition as part of the schemes.

Other subjects covered in the conference are the Metropolitan Police Forces new arms policy, card fraud, and Automatic Transmission Machine security.

In previous years the seminar has attracted a record number of petrol retailers and interested parties and this year is likely to be no exception.

John Turtle, BOSS regional co-ordinator for the North West said: "Since the introduction of Forecourt Watch schemes there has been a significant reduction in the number of people driving off without paying for petrol. By catching criminals who drive away without paying for their fuel on petrol forecourts police can solve other more serious crimes because often the same criminals are involved. The seminar will prove to be a very useful day for petrol retailers and police forces alike."

The meeting is supported by the Petrol Retailers' Association (PRA) and costs œ20 which includes lunch and refreshments. Places are limited and after excellent attendance figures in previous years delegates are advised to book early.

Bookings can be made by contacting;
John Turtle
Tel: 0161 436 4714.

Ref: BS 05/2001