Crime Stoppers Victoria has released the images of a number of alleged petrol thieves, who police believe filled up their cars with fuel before driving off without paying.
Australasian Association of Convenience Stores chief executive Jeff Rogut said petrol theft continued to be an issue for all convenience store operators and was of particular concern in Victoria.
“Nationally this crime costs the industry over $50 million annually and in Victoria it approaches $20 million annually,” Mr Rogut said.
Crime Stoppers Victoria chief executive Stella Smith said petrol theft was unacceptable.
“Most people do the right thing, and we all end up paying that bit extra at the bowser to cover this behaviour,” Ms Smith said.
Petrol theft incidents generally have high quality CCTV footage that can help in identifying those responsible.
Here are some of the most wanted alleged petrol thieves.
CAMPBELLFIELD
Two men allegedly filled their car with petrol and drove off without making any attempt to pay at 3.30pm on June 28.
The pair was allegedly driving a black Renault Clio with stolen licence plates.
A man police wish to speak to was described as caucasian, aged between 20-25 years old.
At the time of the alleged offence he was wearing a black and white Adidas tracksuit top, black pants and a black beanie.
CRAIGIEBURN
A man filled a white Holden Commodore, allegedly displaying two different number plates, with fuel at a Craigieburn Rd petrol station at 8.45pm on June 15. He then allegedly left without attempting to pay.
The man who may be able to help police with their inquires was described as caucasian with facial hair.
At the time of the alleged offence he was wearing a black cap and a red, white and blue zip up jacket.
KEW EAST
A man filled his car up with petrol at a Burke Rd service station about 6.50am on June 9, before allegedly driving off without attempting to pay.
The car was a silver Holden commodore displaying the allegedly stolen plates TVW 621.
The caucasian man police wish to speak to was wearing black tracksuit pants, a grey jumper, an orange hi-vis vest, and a black cap.
CRAIGIEBURN
A man filled a black Ford hatchback displaying two different number plates with fuel at a Craigieburn Rd petrol station about 3.40pm on June 6.
He then allegedly left without attempting to pay.
A man filled a black Ford hatchback displaying two different number plates with fuel at a Craigieburn Rd petrol station about 3.40pm on June 6. He then allegedly left without attempting to pay.
A man police would like to speak to was wearing a grey Adidas hoodie, dark pants and a dark coloured hat at the time of the alleged offence.
BURWOOD EAST
A man drove into a Burwood Highway service station about 2.40pm on June 24 before he filled his car with petrol and allegedly drove off, making no attempt to pay.
The car was a white Holden Vectra displaying the alleged cloned registration plates 1QZ 1BW.
A man police wish to speak to is described as caucasian, aged in his 30s, of a slim build and about 170cm.
At the time of the alleged offence he was wearing a black hoodie, trackpants, shoes, cap and sunglasses.
BRAESIDE
A woman filled a car with petrol and allegedly drove off without paying at a petrol station
in Braeside at 5.40pm on April 26.
The car was allegedly displaying stolen licence plates.
The woman police would like to speak to was Mediterranean or Middle Eastern in appearance, about 150cm, with a solid build and long black hair.
At the time of the alleged offence she was wearing a camel coloured jumper, black leggings and grey runners.
GLEN IRIS
Two men went to a High St service station in a black Kia sedan, allegedly bearing stolen registration plates, on December 18, 2019. The driver filled the vehicle with fuel before the pair allegedly left without paying.
The first man police would like to speak to was caucasian, about 20-25 years old, with short dark hair.
He was wearing a black hooded jumper and shorts at the time of the alleged incident.
The second man police would like to speak to was caucasian, aged between 40 and 50.
If you have any information about these incidents, phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au
Extracted from Herald Sun