Police in Scotland are putting a renewed effort into clamping down on drive-off crime by working with fuel retailers in south east Glasgow.

Police and local retailers, in conjunction with the British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS), have operated successful BOSS Forecourt Watch schemes in the Rutherglen and Cambuslang areas for several years. Now police are stepping up their efforts to combat criminals who drive off without paying for fuel. Officers are patrolling forecourts to deter fuel theft and apprehend offenders.

Rutherglen community safety police officer Richard Samson said: “Petrol drive-offs are becoming increasingly common in our area. It is considered an offence and could lead to an arrest and a court date. In order to combat this issue, we are working together with BOSS to raise staff awareness of this issue and to secure the relevant evidence in order to stop this type of crime. By having our forecourts work together, with BOSS and Police Scotland, I am confident that we can effect change.”

Jim Anderson, BOSS co-ordinator for Scotland, added: “We’re pleased to be able to strengthen our partnership in these areas with Police Scotland, and offer our support in reinforcing the message that taking fuel without payment is a crime and that offenders will be pursued and brought to justice.”

BOSS Forecourt Watch creates a closer working relationship between police, BOSS and retail staff to increase awareness, prevention and the reporting and recording of incidents. There are almost 130 other Forecourt Watch schemes already operating throughout the UK.