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Recent data reveal a dramatic increase in petrol theft, rising by 62% over the past year. This surge has been particularly challenging for petrol station operators, with one forecourt owner in southern England reporting losses of around £2,000 weekly across his five sites due to customers driving off without paying. The company Pay My Fuel, which helps recover stolen funds for retailers, highlights this worrying trend amid rising fuel prices driven by the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel.
Since the outbreak of the war, fuel costs have escalated sharply—filling a family car with petrol now costs roughly £14 more, while a diesel tank has increased by about £27. These price hikes have not only strained consumers financially but have also coincided with a rise in abuse directed at petrol station staff. According to industry insiders, this environment of heightened frustration has emboldened many to commit thefts, some opportunistic and others clearly premeditated.
Josh, a forecourt operator who wished to remain anonymous due to harassment faced by staff, shared striking CCTV footage demonstrating various theft incidents. These include cases such as a motorbike filling up nearly £15 worth of fuel before disappearing, a white van that stole more than £150 of fuel during busy morning hours, and a white Porsche SUV failing to pay nearly £75 during an afternoon rush. While some offenders are believed to be driven by financial desperation, Josh insists that “the large majority is organised, pre-planned.”
Industry experts confirm the problem is worsening, with the average value stolen per incident increasing by 46% to approximately £67. Ian Wolfenden, director of Pay My Fuel, notes that the situation is much more severe in economically disadvantaged areas such as parts of London, Glasgow, Manchester, Leeds, and Birmingham. The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) also acknowledges the rise in thefts, attributing some to organised crime and others to customers who claim to have forgotten payment. Police are responding proactively, working closely with fuel retailers and recovery specialists to identify and deter offenders. Authorities have urged the public to report thefts, emphasizing that those responsible must face stringent legal consequences
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