BRIT filling stations are suffering an upsurge in petrol theft – and it could be down to "systematic criminal activity".
New data obtained by the RAC Foundation shows there were 39,563 incidents between July and September this year – a 77% rise from 22,335 over the same period last year.
This shock rise has seen a fourfold increase with 8,558 incidents reported in that same three-month period in 2019.
And most of these incidents are likely related to to drive-offs – also referred to as 'bilking' – when someone fills up their vehicle without paying, and then leaves.
The British Oil Security Syndicate – which campaigns to reduce crime on forecourts – has estimated the practice costs filling stations an average of £10,500 each per year.
The maximum penalty for drivers convicted of making off without payment, an offence under the Theft Act 1978, is two years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.
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These figures are a sign of a 'growing problem' that hints at a 'much bigger issue', according to RAC Foundation director Steve Gooding.
He said: "While it may be that the cost-of-living crisis is tempting some people to risk driving off without paying, the real headache for fuel suppliers is if this is a sign of more systematic criminal activity.
"The message to anyone tempted to bilk the service station must be 'Don't fill up if you can't pay up' because getting caught is a real possibility, and financial losses to companies ultimately lead to higher prices for us all."
This comes after the news that Chancellor Jeremy Hunt will not hike fuel duty in two weeks’ time.
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Research from the AA discovered some Brits are forking out a whopping £7.50 less than the average driver each time they pull up on a forecourt.
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