Petrol theft at ‘epidemic’ levels in Wyndham in Melbourne’s west

SARAH ANDERSON
APRIL 15, 2014
WYNDHAM LEADER

PETROL is stolen from Wyndham service stations about three times a day.
Police data has revealed there were 103 petrol thefts from local service stations recorded in January, and 101 in December.
But a pilot program set up one year ago to pursue petrol thieves is making a dent.
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Constable Colleen Spiteri, from the Wyndham Petrol Drive Off Unit, said petrol theft was an “epidemic” in Wyndham.
The price of fuel and the fact that it was an easy target drove the crime, she said.
But Constable Spiteri said there had been an improvement in the reporting of the crime and repeat offenders were being caught.
In January alone, police laid 262 charges in relation to petrol thefts worth $6300.
One woman was charged with 127 offences including theft of petrol and numberplates, and one man was charged with 96 offences including theft of petrol and theft of car.
“Unfortunately, we can’t stop it (petrol theft) but we will catch them,” Constable Spiteri said. She said focusing on petrol theft was helping police catch criminals who stole vehicles or numberplates to commit the crime.
A service station advocacy group is calling for more deterrents and higher penalties for the high-volume crime.
Australasian Association of Convenience Stores chief executive Jeff Rogut said service stations, which were generally franchises and not owned by conglomerates, were suffering.
“They’re small ­businesses. It goes straight to their bottom line,” he said.
Mr Rogut said deterrents such as loss of licence and higher fines were needed.
Constable Spiteri urged drivers to have their numberplates fitted with one-way screws so they couldn’t be stolen.
People can take their cars to the police station to have them fitted, she said.
AT A GLANCE:
â–  In January 262 charges were laid in relation to petrol thefts worth $6300
â–  A woman was charged with 127 offences including theft of petrol and theft of number plates
â–  A man was charged with 96 offences including theft of petrol and theft of car
â–  People can take their vehicles to Wyndham North and Werribee police stations to have their number plates fitted with one-way screws

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