West Kent garages see decrease in fuel thefts

NEW figures show a crackdown on fuel thefts in West Kent has worked.

Figures from Kent Police show between January and May last year there were 249 petrol thefts across the area.

Since officers launched a campaign aimed at tackling the problem, however, the number for the same period this year has fallen to 73.

Police put it down to the success of Forecourt Watch, launched six months ago.

The scheme was re-launched last week to encourage more petrol stations to sign up.

Some garages already involved in the scheme have seen positive results.

Haresh Modi, manager at the BP garage in St John's Road, Tunbridge Wells, said whereas before the scheme the garage was experiencing roughly two to three thefts every week, it is now down to around one every fortnight.

"The thefts have reduced thanks to the police radio and the security camera installed as part of Forecourt Watch," said Mr Modi.

Kent Police launched the scheme with the backing of the British Oil Security Syndicate (Boss).

Police officers will be visiting petrol stations in Kent to distribute crime prevention posters, petrol pump stickers and details of vehicles potentially involved in fuel thefts.

Manager at the Shell garage in Castle Hill, Tonbridge, Mark Gowri said after signing up to the scheme he has seen a 50 per cent reduction in the number of petrol thefts at the garage.