June 2004

NEW BOSS CHAIRMAN CHAMPIONS CLOSER PARTNERSHIP WITH POLICE

Simon (right), with Kevin Eastwood, Executive Director of BOSS

Simon Palmer revealed he plans to make close partnerships with Police forces the cornerstone of his campaign to boost forecourt security, as he was appointed the new chairman of BOSS (British Oil Security Syndicate). By forming even closer relationships with the Police, Simon believes that the oil industry can substantially reduce the £20 million* losses suffered last year as a result of crime.

 

"The significant resources that the industry and Police forces already direct towards forecourt crime prevention, actually   offer us a unique opportunity," said Simon. "By building closer partnerships we can better share our intelligence,   jointly   develop working practices that simplify the investigative process, and provide evidence and intelligence on the most frequently offending criminals. The combination of this will help us use our resources much more effectively."

 

Simon will bring extensive experience in retail store management to his new role; he is currently   responsible   for a network of 370 forecourt convenience stores as Manager of Retail Direct Operations at TOTAL UK. Before becoming a TOTAL employee, Simon joined Petrofina in 1987 and has worked in the retail market throughout    his career so far.

 

As chairman of BOSS, Simon will lead the organisation responsible for instigating and co-ordinating crime reduction initiatives at UK service stations operated by leading oil companies including BP, ChevronTexaco, Esso, Shell and TOTAL. The organisation is funded by the oil industry and 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).

 

* Excludes Credit Card Fraud