Car Insurance News from Be Wiser

Petrol Station "Drive Aways" Up Alongside Petrol Rates

Petrol station operators have reported increasing numbers of criminals fixing fake plates to their cars and driving away from pumps without paying. The scam is becoming more and more worthwhile, as fuel prices continue to rise.

Police say that they are working with petrol suppliers to adapt number plate recognition technology to a database of vehicles that have already been spotted doing a runner. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology is already in use at around 300 petrol stations in the UK.

"ANPR cameras are effective in cutting this crime," commented an industry expert. Staff are alerted if a "vehicle of interest" is spotted and the driver told that they must pay for their fuel upfront.

Other blaggers, such as drivers who claim to have left their wallet at home before leaving false details and not coming back, will also be targeted. Other drivers are making "fuel runs" across the channel, claims P&O Ferries, where diesel remains at a more competitive price.

Fuel thieves are speeding away with more than £1.2 million every year from petrol stations in Leicestershire. To combat thieves some petrol stations are resorting to hi-tech stingers prevent offenders making a quick getaway.

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