“We know these drive-offs lead to other crimes and I think the penalties should be far greater for putting false plates on your vehicle."
- Peter Anderson
MOTORISTS who steal fuel by driving off without paying have been put on notice.
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APCO Warrnambool owner Peter Anderson said he was excited by a proposal to crack down on the crime that costs him thousands of dollars each year.
Hi-tech cameras will be installed at service stations, hospitals and shopping centres across Victoria to stop petrol thieves and people dodging parking payments.
The number plates of vehicles will be recorded by the cameras in the trial and the registration information will go into a central database to help identify drivers guilty of driving off without paying, sending an alert when they again enter a car park or petrol station.
Mr Anderson said it was a step in the right direction.
He also has a number of petrol stations in the Geelong area, which have been part of a Victoria Police trial.
“They’ve been collating the details of every drive-off,” Mr Anderson said.
He said he would be happy to be involved with the VicRoads trial, but was more interested in having access to the database to alert service station operators to stolen cars or vehicles with stolen numberplates.
“I’m hoping we will end up with a database for all of Victoria,” Mr Anderson said.
“That way no matter where you come from in Victoria, your information would come up. I think it would be a good start.”
Mr Anderson has been lobbying for tougher penalties for the theft of fuel for a number of years.
“We know these drive-offs lead to other crimes and I think the penalties should be far greater for putting false plates on your vehicle. It’s a deliberate act.”
Mr Anderson said he believed a penalty of up to $5000 would act as a good deterrent, in addition to compulsory one-way screws for numberplates.
He has been working closely with Victoria Police to help stamp out the widespread practice of stealing fuel and will meet with representatives next week.
Australasian Association of Convenience Stores chief executive Jeff Rogut said the plan would have huge benefits.
“The service station attendant would get a red flag and they would then not authorise the pump,” Mr Rogut said.
“If someone is not genuine they would hop back in the car and drive off.”
