Rise in Cheshire drivers not paying for fuel at petrol stations
Police have issued a warning to the "small minority" who don't pay
Last updated 10th Oct 2022
Cheshire Police have issued a warning to drivers who have been making off from forecourts without paying for fuel, as officers say there's been an increase in such offences.
In July 2022, there were more than 100 reports of fuel thefts from petrol stations across the county, according to the force.
Chief Superintendent Peter Crowcroft said: “We appreciate that times are hard everyone with the cost of living soaring, however, we cannot stand by and allow a small minority of people to get away with the theft of fuel.
“This may seem trivial to some but as police, we have a job to do and if you are committing any type of crime, we will prosecute you.
“Of course, there will be some innocent cases where drivers have left a petrol station without making payment and then, once realising their mistake, return to make a payment.
“However, there are still people who purposely fill a full tank of fuel and drive away with no intention of paying for it.
“But be aware, in Cheshire, we have many tools at our disposal such as ANPR cameras on road networks and facial recognition capabilities that will assist us in identifying offenders and bringing them to justice.
“So if you are thinking about driving off without paying for fuel, just think is this worth it?”