Fuel thieves targeted after launch of fail-to-pay stickers at service stations

Drivers who fail to pay for petrol are in the sights of Burwood Police Area Command, with officers placing
stickers on fuel bowsers to target fraudsters.

The initiative has been launched by the command in conjunction with the Motor Traders’ Association
(MTA) of NSW to tackle fuel theft offences in the inner west area, including Burwood, Strathfield, Ashfield,
Concord, and Drummoyne.

Burwood PAC crime manager, Detective Chief Inspector Ian Pryde, said the aim was to raise awareness
of the offence and to encourage people to pay for their fuel.

“Failing to pay for the fuel you put in a vehicle is fraud and a crime – you are stealing from service station
providers,” Det Ch Insp Pryde said.

“Our officers take fraud very seriously and we encourage those who see others failing to pay for their fuel
to come forward and let us know.

“These stickers will be placed at petrolbowsers to serve as a reminder to the community that if you fill
your vehicle up with petrol, the next step is to ensure that you pay for it or you’ll likely receive a visit from
police.”

Wayne Pickering, media spokesperson for MTA NSW commented, that there are more than 3,000
Trusted MTA NSW Members, which includes Service Stations, who want consumers to be safe
throughout Summer, and aware of criminal activity at the bowser– we are encouraging people if they see
something, to say it.

“MTA NSW also understands important trends in the community, such as increasing petrol prices, and
economic challenges, can fuel criminal activity locally.”

“We are pleased to partner with the NSW Police to help make aware the impacts of fuel drive offs on
small business owners, especially Service Station owners.”

The initiative will be trialled in the area over the coming months with a view to roll out the program statewide.

Anyone with information about fail-to-pay fuel offences is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or
https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to
report crime via NSW Police social media pages.