Wiltshire police probe spate of drive-offs

Wiltshire Police are appealing for information following a series of bilking incidents in Chippenham last week, including one in which £256 of diesel was stolen.

Incidents have been reported at the Leigh Delamere Services on the M4, both east and westbound, as well as at a garage in West Cepen Way.

At approximately 9am on 27 July a man driving a Mercedes drove into Leigh Delamere Westbound Services, filled his car with approximately £52 of fuel and left without making any attempt to pay.

On 29 July at approximately 4.25am, a man driving an Audi filled up with fuel to the value of £67 at Leigh Delamere Eastbound services and drove off without making an attempt to pay.

On the same day, at approximately 2.30pm, a driver of a Peugeot 207 filled their car with £50 of petrol from the Leigh Delamere Eastbound services and left without making any attempt to pay for the fuel.

On 28 July, the driver of a Citroen Zsara pulled up on the forecourt of BP/M&S Simply food services in West Cepen Way and filled up with £47 of fuel. There were three people in the vehicle, which reversed away from the pump and left the scene without making an attempt to pay.

Again on 28 July at approximately 6.35pm, a man pulled onto the forecourt of the same garage in a silver Vauxhall Astra and filled up a yellow container in the boot of the vehicle with £256 of diesel. He then drove off, making no attempt to pay. CCTV images of a man police would like to speak to in connection with this incident are attached.

Two further incidents were also been reported, including one at Morrisons on the A350, but both drivers have since returned to pay.

PCSO Sarah Moth said: “We are currently in the process of investigating these incidents and have been analysing CCTV footage from the garages.

“We’d really like to speak to the man pictured in connection with the high value theft at the BP services on 28 July in which more than £250 of fuel was taken.

“Anyone with information on these incidents should call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”