Drive-offs crime
Fuel theft is growing at an alarming rate. Former Garda Inspector Tony Gallagher reports on the several category types of drive-offs
Print16 December 2024
Vehicle Fuel Retailers are working in a very challenging environment of drive-offs, theft from shop and threats of defamation actions.
A recent article in the Irish Examiner revealed that retailers are losing on average €2,500 due to drive-offs, this was a calculation following a ‘straw poll’ of its members by the Irish Petrol Retailers Association members (IPRA).
The IPRA has called for the introduction of a number plate system, similar to the UK, where a number plate can only be made from a registered supplier and customers need to show documents to prove they are entitled to that registration number, this would enable the gardaí follow-up on crimes.
Categories of drive-offs
There are several category types of drive-offs.
- The straight drive-off
This is where the offender has no intention of paying, this person tends drive up to an outer pump on the forecourt, they calculate that the staff in the shop are too busy and will not notice the occurrence.
- Failing to present at the point of sale
This offender will fill up with the fuel, enter the shop, may use toilet facilities or browse and then leave without paying.
- Presents at the point of sale but does not declare the purchase of fuel
This offender will buy some item in the shop but does not declare the purchase of fuel – the staff member should engage with all customers to proactively enquire if the customer has bought fuel.
- No means to pay
This person presents to the service counter and declares that they have no means to pay, they will declare that they have forgotten their wallet or credit card. There are many genuine such incidents, but the onus should firmly be placed on the customer to pay. If an arrangement has to me made then a report form should be used where the customer records verified information on this report, the form should stipulate that the responsibility is on the customer to pay, it works in most circumstances but where there is no settlement by the customer on an agreed time such as 24hrs then the matter must be reported as a drive off without payment which is a criminal offence of theft.
There is also the threat of a defamation action by certain customers who will sensationalise an interaction with a staff member to their own advantage. It is legitimate for a staff member to raise a clarification if there is uncertainty on an issue but there are certain types of individuals who are just waiting to be offended and will seize on any opening to assert injustice, defamation laws need to change to the changing environment.
Gaming the system
The customer knowing he/she has not paid, presents at the counter and tries to distract the staff member by engaging in conversation on other topics, they even point out towards the forecourt themselves, the motive is to distract the staff member from asking the question “did you purchase fuel”.
Customer selecting payment “shop” at the pump, fills the car, then stages that they are attempting to pay by credit card at the pump, when this is not possible, which of course it’s not, then the offender drives off, if they are subsequently questioned as a result of the reported crime they will give the excuse that they tried to pay. Unfortunately, it has occurred that this excuse has been accepted by the enforcing person who examines the CCTV and would offer an excuse that it is a civil matter.
It is not a civil matter – it is gaming the system and a particular issue with persons who are returning rental cars who probable feel they can get away with it, retailers need to be clear when reporting, that this a theft.
Emerging cam
Theft and receiving of fuel – this is a particular area of concern and there are a number of prolific offenders engaged in this activity. I have investigated some such incidents and on examining CCTV the Modus Operandi (M.O) of the offender is to drive his car into the forecourt and park at the side of the premises. The offender will then walk over to the pumps, can be seen on his mobile phone and will direct a car to the outer fuel pumps, the person will present at the pump giving the impression that he has a credit card out and so the pump is released, the offender then fills the car. The person in the car who receives the stolen fuel will then drive off without paying and the offender who filled the car will then return to his own car and drive off.
I am aware of similar such incidents around the country where the same M.O is used, retailers should be particularly inquisitive of their CCTV where this has occurred, you will only determine this knowledge if you engage with your staff and create awareness of this scam.
Investigations
Ashtree Risk Group are adept at investigating drive-off criminal offences. Ashtree have a team of expert CCTV Analysts who compile evidence against offenders and report all such crimes to the Gardaí using the on-line reporting declarations. The team of analysts preserve the CCTV and documentary evidence that is required for prosecutions, and they liaise with the Gardaí throughout the investigation process up to and including presenting the evidence in court, the analysts are also expert witnesses and will give evidence on the CCTV continuity evidence proofs.
The Ashtree Risk Group Service is available to Forecourt operators.
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