Concerns for drive-offs spark need for preventative measures, as theft reports rise in New Plymouth

Fears of drive-offs at petrol stations has forced a 'pay before you pump' approach. Photo / Mead Norton

Petrol stations have been advised to put “preventative measures” in place as costs at the pump rise rapidly.

Police are recommending that stations include a pre-pay method during times of elevated risk, have high visibility of staff on forecourts, ensure their lighting and CCTV is up to scratch and engage regular security patrols.

Assistant commissioner Tusha Penny said police are closely watching for any trends around fuel theft and associated offences.

“We have provided advice to stations as appropriate on a case-by-case basis.

“At this stage, it is too early to determine any notable change in offending.

“Police will remain visible in our communities and respond to any incidents as they arise.”

An increase in reports of drive-offs at fuel stops around New Plymouth has forced some stations to use a ‘pay before you pump’ approach.

A worker at Mobil New Plymouth who has been away on holiday for three weeks, told the Herald his manager said the average number of drive-offs at petrol stations in New Plymouth has increased from an average of two per week to 47 in the time he’s been gone.

He said that while the Mobil he works at hasn’t been hit, his store has put “everything” on prepay, even for trucks.

A police directive sent to staff in March confirmed that from now, ‘nationally standardised value thresholds’ will be applied when assessing theft and fraud files.

The threshold for petrol drive-offs is $150, while general theft is set at $200, shoplifting at $500, fraud (paywave, online and scams) at $1000 and $500 for other fraud.

The worker said it’s been tough to change pace and not open pumps for people.

“It’s quite a hard habit to break it’s not protocol for me not to open them ... as soon as we hear a little ‘ding’, we’re supposed to.

“We’ve been given a bit of a script from our manager on what to tell customers.”

He said some people circle pumps then drive off again.

Z Energy and NPD service operators confirmed to the Herald that there has been no increase in fuel theft or a significant shift in behaviour from its customers.

Agricultural communities and businesses have been advised to park vehicles with petrol caps close to the wall, ensure fuel tanks are secured, locked and out of sight and to keep an inventory of fuel consumption.

Anyone who has seen fuel theft has been encouraged to call 111 if it’s immediate or 105 to make a report.

Meanwhile, fuel stocks have risen in the past week with data showing New Zealand has more than 50 days’ worth of fuel remaining in each of the three major fuel types as of midnight last Wednesday.