MELTON petrol stations are fed up with “drive-offs”, saying it happens at least once a day.
But they say mandatory pre-pay technology advocated by police would be costly to implement.
Melton petrol station manager George Batsis said the theft of fuel was a major issue, with his business having at least eight cases a week.
It’s a growing problem across Victoria, with 5089 incidents reported last financial year – up from 4321 in 2009-10. There were 173 cases in Melton last financial year.
Victoria Police is urging retailers to introduce mandatory pre-paid fuel.
Mr Batsis agreed it would solve the problem, but said it would be difficult to introduce.
“It is a financial nuisance,” Mr Batsis said. “The stolen fuel is always premium, the amount in excess
of $50, and the premium is
always 14 cents more than standard unleaded.”
Police said pre-pay pumps had been introduced successfully in the UK and US, and in some areas of NSW during high-risk hours.
A spokesman said data suggested there was a link to petrol prices and the theft of numberplates.
Melton sergeant Ken Anderson encouraged motorists to fit one-way numberplate screws, available from Caroline Springs police station.
“There used to be a station in Melton where there was only one way out. If you tried to go the other way, the spikes would shred your tyres,” Sergeant Anderson said.
Anyone with information on petrol theft can phone Crime Stoppers on 1800333000.
