Driving off from a service station without paying for fuel is illegal. VACC and members of its Service Station and Convenience Store Division work closely with Victoria Police to prevent fuel theft.
Fuel theft drivers will be caught. Today’s video surveillance at service stations is very sophisticated with digital cameras detecting more detail and clearer images. There are no blind spots on the forecourt.
When caught, not only will a ‘drive off’ driver have to return to the service station to pay for the stolen fuel, but Victoria Police will also issue an on-the-spot fine of $270. If the driver does not return to the service station to pay for fuel, they are taken to court.
“Increasingly, service stations are employing pre-pay, whereby a motorists pays for the fuel before the pump is released by the console operator.
“A good way for motorists to ensure their car is not targeted by fuel thieves is to fit one-way screws to the number plates. This deters anyone considering the removal of the plates and fixing them to another vehicle with the express purpose of deliberately driving-off from a service station without paying for the fuel,” VACC Executive Director, David Purchase.
If you encounter "drive-off" theft at your service stations, you should do the following:
- If you want to know the procedure, click here.
- If you need to download the Fuel Theft Report Form, click here.
- If you want to know more information about Fuel Theft Forum, click here.