AACS APPLAUDS VIC POLICE ON PETROL THEFT BUST

MEDIA RELEASE
April 16 2014
The Australasian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) has commended the efforts of Victoria Police in investigating and making subsequent arrests in relation to a spate of thefts across Melbourne that saw a large quantity of petrol stolen from multiple service stations.
“We have been concerned about the Victoria Police response to petrol theft and the impact on our Members, but credit is clearly due here. We are grateful for the serious and dedicated approach Victoria Police has adopted during this investigation and commend the arrests made,” said AACS CEO Jeff Rogut.
The investigation has reportedly been running for three months and at least 48 incidents are believed to have been involved in the series of thefts, dating back to July 2013. The total amount of petrol stolen is believed to be valued at over $12,000 and more than 800 litres of petrol was seized.
“This bust demonstrates the scope of this crime in Victoria and nationally. Petrol theft costs convenience stores around Australia upwards of $30 million in lost revenue annually,” Mr Rogut explained.
“This latest incident reinforces that those who steal petrol are guilty of criminal behaviour, which in this instance has led to arrests involving other alleged offences as well.”
The AACS is ideally pursuing a national response to the crime, with heavy fines and loss of license demerit point tabled as potential coercions.
In late 2013, the Geelong Magistrates Court granted permission to APCO, a service station franchise network of 23 stores mainly in Victoria, to pursue the details of petrol thieves through VicRoads. The path is now clear for APCO to obtain the personal details of thieves with a view to initiating action and repayment for the petrol stolen.
“Although petrol theft is a crime ideally addressed at a national level, we urge state governments around the country to work with retailers to prevent this crime and catch and prosecute offenders,” Mr Rogut said.
Further information:
Jeff Rogut
Chief Executive Officer
Australasian Association of Convenience Stores
Ph: 0467 873 789
Media enquiries:
Stephen Naylor
Wise McBaron Communication
Ph: (02) 9279 4770