Petrol thefts up in ACT

All 56 petrol stations in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) have taken part in a recent ACT Policing survey to try and crackdown on petrol drive offs. The territory has seen a 33% increase in petrol thefts from last year. Police received an overwhelming response from service station owners to take part in the survey. The survey found 11 of the 56 stations offered some facility for pre-payment of fuel as a means of discouraging theft. Some stations shut down pumps earlier. Other solutions discussed were to brief operators on the type of suspicious behavior to look out for as well as, ensure that the operator has a clear view of all pumps and to offer only pre-paid fuel during certain hours. (August 26, 2008)