Police are being called upon to act promptly on fuel thefts and to treat the crime more seriously.
Victorian Automobile Chamber of Commerce executive director Geoff Gwilym believes motorists and retailers will continue to be hit by fuel thefts even if the recommendations for a government response to petrol drive-offs are adopted.
“Potential fuel thieves need to know that stealing fuel is a crime punishable by law, and that if they commit fuel theft, they stand a good chance of being caught – that’s the answer,” Mr Gwilym said.
Caroline Springs is a trouble spot for fuel drive-offs in Melton, while the latest in Moorabool was on March 1 at a Bacchus Marsh service station.
The Victorian law reform, road and community safety committee inquiry into fuel drive-offs proposed eight solutions, but Mr Gwilym believes few go to the heart of the issue.
Mr Gwilym agrees with some recommendations, including giving servos access to VicRoads’ stolen vehicle and number plate data. He also supports a Victoria Police consumer and industry guide.
But these alone would not significantly cut fuel thefts in Victoria, he said.
“Implementing pre-pay systems at service stations … will not solve this issue for the many small business owners who are regular victims of this crime,” he said.
