‘Pre-pay’ fuel call for servos

ERIN PEARSON
Making customers pay before filling up could stop petrol thefts at Geelong service stations, according to the city’s top cop.
Inspector Chris Gawne urged servo operators to consider installing prepayment systems after he saw their success overseas.
The Independent reported last month that police had recorded a surge in motorists leaving servos without paying for fuel.
“Petrol drive-offs are difficult to enforce because we can’t have a police officer manned at each service station, so I’d be in favour of prepay petrol,” Insp Gawne said.
“I can understand the cultural barriers in this country but I’ve travelled overseas and I’ve seen it work. It’s a simple change that could mean a big win.”
But APCO director Peter Anderson feared introducing prepayment could damage in-shop sales.
“With fuel margins as tight as they are we can’t afford to lose shop sales,” he said.
“We’ve looked at (prepayment). We’ve got a couple of sites that go prepaid after hours in Melbourne but the problem is a customer can come in and pay $20 for fuel then go out, put in $25 in and drive off.
“It’s not practical. When stations are prepaid car owners don’t always know how much it will cost to fill their tank.”
Mr Anderson called on State Government to bring in tougher penalties for fuel thieves.
“The biggest problem with drive-offs is the deliberate act of changing number plates and doing the wrong thing. People who drive-off with their rego clearly visible can be accidental but the ones who deliberately come in, fill up and run are criminals,” he said.