2005 Press Releases

16th July 2005 - "Making Off Without Payment" - BOSS Challenges New Home Office Guidelines

Following serious concerns over new Home Office guidelines for police in dealing with the issue of "Making Off Without Payment" at Britain's service stations, forecourt crime reduction campaigner BOSS (British Oil Security Syndicate) has met with the Home Office in an effort to remedy the situation.

Representatives from BOSS hosted a meeting on 14th June with senior representatives from the Home Office's National Crime Recording Standards (NCRS) department and made formal representation regarding the issue.
BOSS delivered a presentation detailing the areas in which the recent changes have caused considerable confusion and concern. Also making supporting presentations at the meeting were senior officers from West Midlands Police, Warwickshire Police and the Metropolitan Police Service.

As a direct result of the meeting, the problems highlighted by BOSS were discussed at the Home Office - National Crime Recording Standards Steering Group meeting on the 29th June.   Following that meeting BOSS understands a letter from the ACPO NCRS lead officer will be circulated to police forces nationwide over the next few days. The letter is anticipated to advise police forces of the difficulties that people have been experiencing regarding the interpretation of the guidance introduced in April, including also the benefits of introducing BOSS Forecourt Watch Schemes and Self Reporting Packs .

BOSS understands that there will also be a meeting of the Home Office Counting Rules Working Group in September, at which "additional guidance" is tabled for discussion, emanating from the BOSS/Home Office meeting of the 14 th June.

Kevin Eastwood, Executive Director of BOSS explains: "The new guidelines are being misinterpreted by some police forces and this is causing our industry serious concern.   The new 'additional guidelines' should alleviate the situation and, used correctly, in conjunction with BOSS Forecourt Watch schemes, police forces can take positive steps to tackle the issue of making off without payment at service stations.   Prolific offenders can easily be identified, allowing police to take appropriate action - which is vital, as invariably, this type of criminal is involved with a host of other illegal activities."

 

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