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FUEL hike ... rising petrol and diesel prices are having far-reaching effects
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Highway robbery
Alice McKeegan21/ 6/2008
SOARING fuel prices are being blamed for a dramatic increase in the number of drive-offs at petrol stations.
A senior police officer has confirmed that thieves are stealing number plates from unsuspecting motorists and fitting them to their own cars to avoid paying for petrol.
Criminals are also profiteering from rising prices and selling stolen petrol for between £15 and £20 a canister.
Some petrol stations are experiencing two or three drive-offs a week and fear that the figures could rise further if the price of petrol and diesel continues to soar.
The problem has become so acute that a police crackdown has been launched.
Detective Inspector Steve Earnshaw, head of the volume crime unit, said a man was recently arrested as part of a major investigation in Greater Manchester and more initiatives are planned.
DI Earnshaw said: "It is a serious problem across Greater Manchester and we are determined to crack down on it.
"Fuel is becoming a big issue because of the soaring cost and this has to be linked to the big increase in number plate thefts which we have noticed over the past six months."
The Observer contacted a number of petrol station managers in Rochdale and found that some were being forced by their bosses to foot the bill for stolen fuel.
One manager, who asked not to be named, said he recently had to pay for £84 following a drive-off.
Another, Saeed Patel, of Sudden Service Station, Manchester Road, voiced concerns that rising fuel prices would have an impact on his business.
He said: "If the price keeps going up we will get more drive-offs. It’s been a problem for about a year. Many garages need extra security and would welcome more help from the police to tackle the situation."
DI Earnshaw said the police was committed to reducing these crimes and would be launching initiatives with community safety officers. Motorists have already been offered help to secure their number plates during safe plate sessions at supermarkets and community centres.
Homewatch coordinators from the Healey area who meet at Syke Community Base recently took advantage of the scheme.
Nicola Oldham, Greater Manchester Police’s Homewatch coordinator, alongside police community support officers Martin Smith and Liz Howarth, secured 30 number plates.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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27/06/2008 at 16:47
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