Two new guidance documents have been launched today by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) to support retailers and police in the fight against crime.
Launched as part of the Home Office’s Crime Prevention Panel, the guidance is aimed at the prevention of fuel theft and issues surrounding the operation of self scan tills.
‘Drive offs’ or ‘bilking’ where offenders full up their vehicles and drive away without paying, and ‘no means of payment’ issues where individuals repeatedly claim not to have the means to pay for fuel, and addressed in the guidance. ACS found that fuel retailers were victims of fuel theft to the tune of £31m a year.
ACS Chief Executive James Lowman said: “Fuel retailers make every effort to prevent fuel theft from they sites by investing in CCTV, automatic numberplate recognition and staff training. We hope the guidance we have produced will support retailers to prevent fuel theft and help them build closer relationships with the police to catch offenders and deter others from trying.”
Crime Prevention Minister Lynne Featherstone said: “Crime is down by more than 20 per cent under the coalition government according to the independent Crime Survey for England and Wales. However, we are not complacent. That is why the Home Office created a Crime Prevention Panel of industry leaders, police, charities and academics who are spearheading our understanding of today’s emerging crime trends. The Association of Convenience Stores is a member of this panel.
“Today’s guidance has an important part to play in cracking down on fuel theft, protecting retailers’ revenues and supporting police work to catch the perpetrators.”
Best practice has also been issued on the management of self scan tills. This includes how to support customers in processing variable weight items such as fruit and vegetables correctly, and preventing fraudulent activities such as swapping barcodes.
The guidance was developed as part of the Home Office Crime Prevention Panel which brings together representatives from academia, business and industry, policing and law enforcement and the voluntary sector to bring new thinking and fresh perspectives to issues around crime prevention.
ACS Fuel Theft Advice Guide
Download 575.10 KB
ACS Crime Report 2014 - Self Scan
Download 4.67 MB
