Police are asking retailers and the public to be vigilant after alleged fuel thefts from two petrol stations.
It's alleged that at around 4pm on Tuesday, November 29, a man entered the forecourt of a business in the Killinchy Road area of Comber and filled a drum with diesel before making off without paying.
PSNI Inspector Donnelly said a short time later, just after 5pm, a man entered the forecourt of a second station on the Rathgael Road in Bangor.
Read more: Two Northern Ireland HSBC branches to close in 2023
It's alleged the man proceeded to fill two drums with diesel and 'made off on foot without paying'.
Inspector Donnelly added: “Enquiries are ongoing in order to establish if both incidents are linked and I would appeal to anyone who may have witnessed either incident or who may have footage that could assist with our investigation, to contact police on 101 quoting reference 1892 of 29/11/22.
“Leaving a garage without paying for fuel is now classified as a crime.
“Previously, enquiries would have been conducted to establish if the incident was a genuine mistake or actual theft before, but now it is automatically classed as crime.
“In short, every time a customer/motorist forgets to pay for their petrol/diesel they could potentially face a criminal conviction.
“Since the increase in fuel prices in March 2022 and the current cost of living crisis, if you consider how much it costs to fill the tank of a car, this can result in a significant loss to a business if it is happening on a regular basis.
"We are encouraging forecourt owners to take measures to help prevent the number of thefts from occurring. This can include displaying clear signs around the pumps asking motorists to ensure they have the necessary funds to pay for their fuel and installing CCTV. Staff should also be vigilant to activity on the forecourt and report anything suspicious to the police immediately. Don’t forget to note down details such as registration numbers and a description of the driver.
“Police continue to remind the public that motorists who fail to pay for fuel at forecourts could be liable for prosecution and anyone who witnesses any type of fuel theft is urged to contact police.”
A report can also be made online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/
You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org/.
READ NEXT:
One person critical as three hospitalised following Co Down crash
Suicide deaths in NI increase as one in every three was someone aged under 30
Police seize 44 uninsured vehicles in just one week after campaign
- Man hospitalised after sustaining 'number of stab wounds' at Co Antrim property
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here. To sign up to our FREE newsletters, see here.
