6th March 2002
Police in Solihull North step up forecourt watch to drive down petrol thefts

Criminals who drive off without paying for petrol are not being given an easy ride thanks to local police.

Officers are stepping up surveillance at forecourts in the north of the borough in a bid to catch thieves red-handed.

The British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS) is working in partnership with police and has sponsored an extra police vehicle, which will enable officers to visit various petrol stations to keep an eye on the pumps and offenders.

Forecourt Watch was launched last year but police are determined to keep the pressure up on criminals who cost petrol retailers thousands of pounds a year in lost fuel. Often offenders who steal petrol are involved in much more serious crime.

Inspector Andy Tolley said: "Covert operations will also be carried out at various locations and officers from the Solihull North crime fighting team will use the force's ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) system which can scan cars and check details against computer information."

Kevin Eastwood, BOSS Executive Director added: "We are pleased to be working in partnership with the West Midlands Police to fight and reduce forecourt crime. We know that Forecourt Watch schemes have become an effective tool in reducing not only forecourt crime but other types of crime. Forecourt Watch in Solihull North sends out a clear message to local criminals - crime does not pay and if you continue to offend you will certainly be caught!"

PC Anne-Marie Johnson, from Solihull North police station, is the designated bilkings (or driving off without payment) officer who will collate information for the initiative.

During January this year there were 33 bilking offences on just one police sector which covers Marston Green and Bickenhill and one brazen thief got away with about £90 worth of petrol after filling up a drum in the back of his vehicle.

Police will also be publishing CCTV images of offenders they want to identify.

NOTES TO NEWS EDITORS:

You are invited to a photo opportunity at BP in Bacon's End, Chester Rd, Chelmsley Wood, at 2.30pm on Tuesday 5 March. Insp Andy Tolley will be there, along with PC Anne-Marie Johnson the designated bilkings officer. A representative from BOSS will also be present.

For more information please contact:

Inspector Andy Tolley
West Midalnds Police
Tel: 0121 712 6105

Kevin Eastwood
Tel: 01926 864757

Issued by: Rachel Anstee
Press and Publicity Officer.
West Midlands Police

Ref: 03/02