Police are hunting a female pictured barefoot in security camera images during an alleged drive-off theft of petrol.
The camera snapped the woman around 4pm on 22 October when a “theft of petrol occurred at a service station in Ocean Grove,” police posted on social media last Friday.
“Police wish to speak with the female pictured as she will have important information relating to this incident,” the post said.
“If anyone recognises this female, they are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333000 and quote reference number 180370673. Alternatively, a confidential report can be submitted online at crimestoppersvic.com.au.”
The alleged theft was one of numerous similar offences that have plagued local service stations in recent years.
In October the Geelong Indy reported that the thefts from local servos were costing “mum and dad” operators around $1200 a month.
APCO’s Peter Anderson said her admired the operators, who had to “work their butts off” while dealing with thieves.
The thefts also affected consumers, he said.
A report to a 2016 Victorian Parliamentary inquiry said prices rose 10 cents a ltire for every 120 extra service station thefts per month in New South Wales.
“The consumer is the one who has to cover it,“ Mr Anderson said.
He praised a recent police crackdown in Geelong, which encouraged service station staff to report thefts immediately on triple 0.
Police revealed that a subsequent increase in monthly drive-off reports, from 171 to 599, also produced breakthroughs on other crimes.
“Some of these people that have done these drive offs are wanted for other things,” Mr Anderson said.
“Victoria Police are going to solve a lot of other crimes.”
