Fuel thefts from UK filling stations have reached record levels amid soaring prices at the pumps. Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) executive director Gordon Balmer described the number of thefts as "going through the roof" with "10 incidents a day" being reported.
The industry body said drive-off incidents - where a motorist fills up and makes no attempt to pay before leaving - have increased by 61% so far this year, compared with the same period in 2021. Retailers will lose £25 million if the current rate of drive-offs continues for the next 12 months, Mr Balmer said.
Incidents of drivers claiming to be unable to pay for fuel they have already put in their vehicle - such as by forgetting their wallet - have also risen. The annual cost to the sector has been put at £16 million.
