Retailer apathy could be hindering the industry’s chances of getting on top of forecourt crime, according to PRA director Ray Holloway.

Speaking at the British Oil Security Syndicate’s annual crime forum in Leeds last month, Holloway expressed his disappointment at the lack of retailer representation. He also encouraged retailers to get to know their local crime prevention officer in a bid to spur crime reduction.

But the lack of retailer interest in the crime forum could be an indication of the state of dealer/oil company relationships because, according to Holloway, the majors could do more to rally interest.

“Relationships with oil companies are dead,” said Holloway. “There is no respect either up or down the supply chain, so if dealers learn about something through their supplier they will be suspicious.”

While the number of retailers at the BOSS forum was disappointing, the huge representation from police proved that industry partnerships were paying off. Representatives from a number of Police forces shared their experiences in helping to reduce forecourt crime – from an automatic number plate recognition pilot in Merseyside to a new robbery initiative in Greater Manchester.