6 September 2001
New security scheme to halt crime on Milton Keynes forecourts

The British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS) and Thames Valley Police have introduced a pioneering new forecourt security scheme to Buckinghamshire.

The Milton Keynes Forecourt Watch is an initiative aimed at reducing the number of people driving off without paying for their fuel.

The scheme has seen 34 local petrol retailers linked to a ringmaster communications system, which provides them with information about forecourt crimes committed in their area and details of suspects and their vehicles.

Forecourt Watch is part of the work undertaken by a special new drive-off unit set up by the Thames Valley Police. So far the scheme has proved extremely successful and there has been a significant reduction in the number of drive-offs taking place locally. Thames Valley Police are looking to introduce the system throughout the force in the future.

The initiative is one of several similar schemes running across the country where new technology is being introduced as part of the fight to reduce service station crime.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology is being trialed by BOSS and the police in Milton Keynes to enhance the scheme's effectiveness. The technology, which will be operated by police officers, consists of a portable computer and camera. The camera captures car registration plates and then checks them against the Police National Computer, the DVLA database, and local police intelligence databases. If the system shows that the vehicle is of interest to the police then swift action is taken.

The new technology is proving successful in identifying criminals involved in all types of crime. In two days a total of 1,215 cars were checked, 23 of which were identified as being of interest to the police, resulting in three arrests.

Police Constable Derek Mundy, who operates the unit in Milton Keynes, is delighted with the early progress. "Since the introduction of Forecourt Watch we have seen more than a 15 percent decrease in drive-offs in the area. We believe there is a strong link between those criminals, who drive off without paying for their fuel, and other crime. With the help of new technology we will be able to turn our attentions to those criminals who are involved in more serious crime," he said.

BOSS Executive Director, Kevin Eastwood added: "We are keen to work in partnership with the police to fight and reduce forecourt crime. We know that Forecourt Watch schemes are becoming an effective tool in reducing not only forecourt crime but other types of crime. The success of the Milton Keynes scheme sends out a clear message to criminals in the area - crime does not pay!"

Forecourt crime costs petrol retailers more than £47 million each year in lost revenue. Motorists driving off without paying for their fuel cost the industry over £11 million and Milton Keynes is no exception with crime costing local service stations more than £56,000 each year.