PRESS RELEASE FROM BOSS June 2004

 

Drive-Off that cost a motorist £1.5 million.

 

 

 

 

It just shows that there can be more to simply not paying for petrol and diving-off. Behind a rather petty and annoying crime lies much bigger ciminal activity.

 

BOSS (British Oil Security Syndicate) is in partnership with a number of Police Forces, including Derbyshire, developing initiatives to tackle crime at service stations.

 

Following a plea of guilty to four offences of stealing petrol to a value of £219.58, Derbyshire Constabulary Financial Investigations Unit's (FIU) carried out further investigations. The FIU discovered that millions of pounds had gone through the defendant's bank accounts even though he had been claiming State benefits for the last 20 years. He was found to have assets in UK and Swiss bank accounts.

 

  A confiscation order of £1.5 million was subsequently imposed at Derby Crown Court. If the defendant fails to pay within 12 months he will face six years imprisonment with no remission.

 

FIU Investigator, DC John Mapp said " The fact that someone has lost over £1.5m as a result of being arrested for criminal offences amounting to £219 should send out a message that, in Derbyshire, crime does not and will not pay."

 

It is also interesting to note that the defendant was not a tear-away young man but middle aged.

 

Formed in 1991 by the oil industry BOSS is directed and funded by the leading oil companies. BP, ChevronTexaco, Esso, Shell and Total are members. It is supported by the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), the United Kingdom Petroleum Industry Association (UKPIA), the Association of Police Officers (ACPO), and the Association of Payment Clearing Services (APACS).

 

 

 

For further information please contact Ian Palmer-Lewis, BOSS PR Co-ordinator.

 

e-mail ianpl@bossuk.org

 

Tel. 01451 810494