As fuel prices rise and thieves find it difficult to steal fuel from cars and trucks, they set their sights on unguarded farms, building sites, service stations, and fuel depots. At ServoPro, we have had a few members report fuel theft from their service stations after hours.
Fuel theft costs businesses like your service station a great deal of money, especially because of the small profit margins. Here are seven ways that you can prevent, or at least reduce, fuel theft.
Use security lighting
To catch the thieves in the act, use motion-sensor lighting or cameras. Criminals work best in the dark, so shining a spotlight might just dissuade them from following through. At the very least, you will get a better view of who is stealing your fuel. Lighting should cover all entry points to your underground fuel storage.
Install a fuel locking system
Ensure all fill and dip points at your site are locked at all times. Most fuel tank lids can be locked with a padlock.
Incorporate a fuel management system
A fuel management system is imperative if you work with a large amount of fuel. It supplies real-time reports, including all the information on your fuel stock, giving you the data you need to ensure you are not incurring losses.
Simply keeping an eye out
Our best advice is to trust your gut and watch for suspicious activity. If you spot someone who seems shady, make a note of them – or notify the proper authorities. If someone seems to be in the act of scoping out your site for later fuel theft, don’t be afraid to engage them and ask what they’re up to. Your attentiveness could discourage them from coming back.
Let your employees know
In some cases, fuel theft occurs from within your very own staff. If your employees know that you have security measures in place, like a fuel management system, they are less likely to commit a crime.
Put up signs
You can make it clear that you have adequate security by placing signs around your service station that state as much. This could prevent thieves and vandals. Certain verbiage that you could use:
- WARNING: CCTV In Operation
- Smile! You’re On Camera
- All Areas Monitored With Motion Sensing Technology
Access a repeat offenders Database
ServoPro had partnered with Australia’s leading solution provider for drive offs. Drive Off Alert has a solution for all service stations, from access to their repeat offenders database through a user-friendly iPad App to a full ANPR system that recognises vehicles that have committed a drive off in the past.
Reducing and Preventing Fuel Theft
These tips will assist your service station in reducing fuel theft in the hopes of one day preventing it entirely. For more tips on securing your service station or for more information on the above solutions, contact us.