Forecourt retailers warned to be vigilant after increase in drive-offs

BOSS has recorded a 38% increase in drive-off incidents during the third lockdown period (January to April 2021). The average value of each drive-off incident was £38.75, which is lower than the £61.77 average value of incidents where motorists claim to have no means of payment.

Bruce Nichol, operations director at BOSS, said: “We’re recommending that forecourt retailers remain vigilant and consider tightening procedures when authorising pumps for fuel to be drawn.

“When a drive-off incident takes place, forecourt retailers should collect incident information from CCTV and report vehicle details as soon as possible, ideally using our Payment Watch service.

“The escalation in drive-off incidents is concerning and in complete contrast to the 27% decline in the BOSS Forecourt Crime Index during the final quarter of 2020.”

BOSS says common warning signals that a crime might be about to occur include:

• Driver still at the wheel; passenger filling up.
• Open doors or open boot.
• Number plates hidden or appear altered.
• Lights of the vehicle still switched on.
• Vehicle parked facing away from the kiosk towards an exit.
• Customer trying to hide behind their own or another vehicle when filling up.