Increasing fuel prices and the rising cost of living are key factors driving the surge in forecourt thefts, placing significant strain on the fuel retail sector. However, there are steps retailers can take to mitigate the risk.
Recently, there has been a notable rise in drive-offs at forecourts. Reports show that the number of drivers leaving without paying has increased dramatically, with estimates indicating around 1.5 million incidents of non-payment occur each year in the UK alone. This trend is part of a broader issue that costs fuel retailers approximately £100 million annually*.
*Source: Boss Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS)
Fuel stations are particularly susceptible to criminal activities, including theft and, in extreme cases, armed robbery. The risk escalates during nighttime hours, resulting in the potential loss of valuable assets and raising concerns about employees’ safety.
The use of fake number plates during drive-offs is a common tactic, making it nearly impossible for authorities to trace them, despite any video evidence. Another widespread method is known as “double-tanking,” where thieves use multiple fuel containers to maximise their ill-gotten gains. Thieves may fill up several jerry cans or other large containers to increase their haul.
Fuel Theft is Big Business
Fuel theft has escalated to such an extent that organised crime gangs, commonly referred to as fuel theft rings, are plying their evil trade across the country and compounding the misery for energy retailers.
Fuel theft rings are coordinated groups that engage in systematic fuel theft, often employing sophisticated methods to victimise retailers. These gangs generally plan their operations meticulously, identifying vulnerable fuel stations or transport vehicles. They may conduct surveillance to understand the routines of staff and security measures on the site.
Thieves might use technology to manipulate fuel pumps or bypass security systems. For example, they might hack into dispenser software to keep the fuel flowing without correct payment or use devices to reset pump meters after filling their tanks.
Some gangs steal fuel directly from the underground storage tanks, by drilling holes in the tank walls and using specialised equipment to siphon vast quantities of fuel, often using large getaway vans or trucks that have been modified for this purpose.
Many fuel pumps have remote control features that allow station owners to manage them from a distance. Thieves can exploit these systems, typically using default access codes that station owners fail to change. This allows them to manipulate the pump settings to dispense fuel without payment.
Security Cameras
Security cameras are vital for forecourt safety, significantly enhancing employee protection while minimising revenue losses from fuel and retail theft. The presence of cameras serves as a strong deterrent not only for those considering drive-offs without payment but also for individuals looking to steal from the on-site shop or kiosk. With high-resolution images that capture vehicle details and registration plates, it becomes easy to identify wrongdoers following a drive-off incident, and the awareness that they are being recorded often leads potential criminals to seek out easier targets.
Closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage enables the rapid generation of incident reports, allowing petrol station owners to present clear evidence to the police. This process significantly aids in the recovery of stolen fuel.
CCTV systems offer real-time monitoring, enabling staff to respond immediately to any suspicious behaviour, which can help prevent theft before it occurs. Additionally, over time, these systems can reveal patterns in drive-offs, allowing petrol stations to adjust their security measures accordingly and focus on high-risk times or locations. This proactive approach not only enhances immediate safety but also contributes to long-term security strategies.
When combined with Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology, which automatically reads and records registration numbers, CCTV is a formidable force in crime prevention. If a vehicle is flagged for previous drive-offs, the system can alert staff to prevent the transaction from taking place.
Pre-Payment Systems
A reliable method to eliminate drive-offs is for retailers to require pre-payment at the pump before dispensing fuel. This bold yet highly effective approach may necessitate retrofitting each dispenser with pre-pay devices, a practice that has already gained traction in several European countries.
However, many retailers hesitate to adopt pre-payment due to concerns about the immediate costs of upgrading pumps and the potential loss of sales from high-margin beverages and snacks in their convenience stores, which are vital to their business. To address this concern, retailers are analysing data related to site locations and customer traffic, ultimately concluding that preventing fraud is more beneficial than attempting to recover lost sales.
On the other hand, supporters of pre-payment argue that it not only curbs drive-offs but also reduces congestion in the store, giving genuine grocery shoppers more time and space to shop comfortably.
Lighting
Forecourts are public spaces where people should feel safe whilst refuelling their vehicles. Unfortunately, inadequate lighting and poor maintenance can turn these areas into crime hotspots. Research indicates that well-lit environments can help lower crime rates in specific locations. Effective lighting enhances visibility, which is crucial for ensuring the safety of both customers and employees.
Efficient lighting can discourage criminal activities by making it more difficult for offenders to go unnoticed. Good lighting is not merely decorative; it plays a crucial role in ensuring safety and providing peace of mind.
TSG is here to help
The Tokheim EYETM Security Solution by TSG UK is a renowned closed-circuit television (CCTV) system designed specifically for forecourts, and it has a proven track record in deterring criminal activity.
The Tokheim EYE is a sophisticated high-definition (HD) camera surveillance system that is triggered by the slightest movement on the forecourt, unlike traditional systems that simply record continuously. This type of event-driven recording makes it easier to retrieve particular incidents without sifting through hours of video material. Site owners and authorised personnel can easily access and view the footage, whether in real-time or retrospectively, on any smart device.
The cameras are integrated with automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) software and point-of-sale equipment located at both the pumps and the kiosk. This setup offers a wealth of valuable information associated with the camera recordings. Both real-time and post-event data include details such as the pump number, receipt information, the staff member involved, time and date, and other relevant transaction inputs.
Furthermore, operators can utilise the comprehensive filtering feature to categorise incidents by type, such as tanker deliveries or unauthorised access to dispenser cabinets. The effective pinch-to-zoom functionality also enables users to swiftly isolate and concentrate on specific elements within the captured frame without compromising image quality
Crypto VGA™ Outdoor Payment Terminal (OPT) from TSG
The Crypto VGA™ is the leading and most secure payment terminal in the energy retail sector. It can be used as a standalone unit or integrated directly into the dispenser. Fully certified with the latest PCI approvals, the Crypto VGA™ accepts credit, debit and fuel cards, as well as the latest technologies, such as contactless transactions and smartphones.
The Crypto VGA™ can be retrofitted to work with existing fuel dispensers. It is designed to integrate seamlessly with both Tokheim legacy systems and select third-party dispensers. This flexibility allows operators to upgrade their payment solutions without needing to replace their entire setup, making it a cost-effective option for enhancing security and functionality at forecourts.
Lighting and Electrical Installation
TSG provides a comprehensive array of electrical installations for forecourts across the country, including canopy lighting, illuminated signage, shop refurbishments, electric vehicle charging points, fuel dispenser installation and repairs, all supported by NICEIC Hazardous Area accreditation.
In particular, canopy lighting and illuminated signage can significantly improve visibility at forecourts, especially during the hours of darkness. This not only helps customers navigate the area safely but also deters potential criminal activity by increasing the likelihood of being seen.
Additionally, TSG offers expert electrical testing and maintenance services, such as EICR tests, PAT testing, fault finding, planned preventative maintenance contracts and various safety tests to ensure legal compliance.
Author: Cheryl Ashton
