A case in Queensland has once again highlighted the frustrations faced by service station operators dealing with fuel theft. A mother from the bayside area was recently sentenced after a string of drive-offs across multiple sites, including well-known brands such as 7-Eleven, EG Fuels, Viva Energy, and BP.

The Offending Pattern

Over an eight-month period, the woman filled up at service stations across Logan and Redland and repeatedly left without paying. Amounts ranged from around $60 to $90 at a time. Many of the offences occurred late at night or in the early hours of the morning when staff were most vulnerable. CCTV footage confirmed the repeated incidents, with some carried out in rental vehicles connected to her family.

Court Outcome

When the matter reached court, she faced 12 counts of fraud. While fraud can carry heavy penalties, the magistrate took into account her lack of prior criminal history, financial difficulties, and personal family challenges. Importantly, the woman had also repaid the full cost of the stolen fuel before sentencing.

Instead of jail time or probation, she was given a 12-month good behaviour bond and an $1800 recognisance. No conviction was recorded, provided she remains offence-free during that period.

What This Means for ServoPro Members

For service station operators, cases like this underline how vulnerable sites remain to fuel theft, particularly outside of normal trading hours. While this individual has now faced the legal system, many retailers are left carrying the burden of drive-offs that are never repaid.

It serves as a reminder of the importance of preventative measures, whether through pre-pay systems, stronger staff training, or improved site surveillance. While courts may take personal circumstances into account when sentencing offenders, the impact on businesses is still very real.

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