January 2004

PRESS RELEASE BY MERSEYSIDE POLICE

 

Police Officers in Liverpool North are putting the brakes on car crime which takes place on petrol station forecourts across the area.

 

The Forecourt Watch scheme, which involves more than 20 petrol stations in Liverpool North, was set up in September 2002 after officers identified that petrol stations were being targeted by people driving off without paying for petrol. Between September 2001 and September 2002 there had been a staggering 1800 crimes committed on petrol station forecourts in Liverpool North and this cost to the area £82,000 in officer time.

 

Following the creation of Forecourt Watch in Liverpool North in September 2002 the area saw a 55 per cent reduction in forecourt crime (September 2002 to October 2003) on the previous year and offenders were identified for 144 offences including robbery, burglary, theft of motor

vehicles and aggravated vehicle taking.

 

In July 2003 the scheme was recognised by the Force as best practice and it was subsequently adopted by the Wirral area.

 

Throughout the last 16 months a dedicated police officer, Constable Dave Titherington, has been working together with staff at the service stations to prevent forecourt crime and all of the petrol stations in the Liverpool North area have signed up to the initiative which involves staff at the stations sharing information with police in a bid to trace any offenders. Staff have also received self reporting forms, which means that if an offence is committed they can fill in the form as soon as possible with all the details and hand it to the dedicated officer, thereby cutting down on officer time involved and improving efficiency. Highly visible stickers and posters have been placed on the pumps at the stations taking part in the scheme so that motorists are aware that the service station is taking part in the initiative.

 

Forecourt Watch Manager, Constable Dave Titherington said: "This scheme provides staff at petrol stations with a sole point of contact within Merseyside Police who they can speak to when they have any problems and when it comes to giving crime prevention advice and guidance. Over the last two years we have established a strong link with the petrol stations and

the scheme is proving to be a resounding success as the figures show.

 

"Because I am dedicated to forecourt crime I am able to thoroughly investigate every crime that is reported to us and I am also able to provide crime prevention advice and support to staff in the stations."

 

Superintendent   Alan Cooper, added: "This is an excellent scheme which provides vital support for staff working at service stations across Liverpool North. The initiative warns offenders that this type of crime is not acceptable and they will be prosecuted."

 

Kevin Eastwood, British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS) Executive Director said " We are pleased to be working in partnership with Merseyside Police to fight and reduce service station crime. We know that these BOSS Forecourt Watch schemes are fast becoming an effective tool in reducing not only forecourt crime, but other types of crime as well.   The resounding

success of this Forecourt Watch scheme in Liverpool North sends out a clear message to criminals - crime doesn't pay and if you continue to offend on service stations you will certainly be caught!"