By LUKE VOOGT
Drive-offs continue costing Geelong service stations hundreds of dollars a week despite petrol prices up to a third lower than 12 months ago.
Apco Newcomb franchisee Jason Crawford said his latest drive-off was just 20 minutes before the Indy phoned him this week for a comment about recent petrol thefts across Geelong.
“It’s costing us $200 a week and I know we’re not the worst-hit store in our network.”
Mr Crawford said his servo had a “steady flow” of petrol thefts, which was slightly less during cheaper parts of the fuel-price cycle.
“It tends to go quiet for a bit but it still doesn’t stop them.”
Mr Crawford suggested demerit points or fines as additional penalties for discouraging thefts.
The alternative was switching to pre-payment, like in some other countries, he said.
“It’s frustrating – I report them all but there doesn’t seem to be anything happening.
“I know I’m not going to see that money again.”
Geelong police recently posted security camera images of two drive-offs with requests for help to track down the alleged thieves.
One of the suspects allegedly stole unleaded petrol from Lara service station at 4.30am on 13 May, one of the posts said.
The images showed him beside a Red VY Commodore sedan with black mag wheels and number plates stolen from Lara.
The man appeared to have an injured left foot, a “severe limp” and was wearing a blue moonboot and a black shirt with skull motif, police posted.
The second post alleged that a man stole petrol from a service station on Queenscliff Road, Newcome, at 10.45pm on 11 May.
The man was also wanted for stealing number plates at Grovedale, police posted.
Police asked for anyone with information about either incident to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
