A recent incident near Stuart Wells has highlighted the very real risks service station operators and staff can face when responding to fuel theft.
A young employee from a family owned roadhouse in remote South Australia has been charged following a serious crash that occurred after an alleged fuel drive off. Police allege that a vehicle refuelled at the roadhouse and left without paying, after which the worker pursued the vehicle in his own car.
During the pursuit, police say a collision occurred between the two vehicles, causing the fleeing car to lose control and crash. The impact resulted in severe injuries to both occupants of the other vehicle, with one person requiring treatment in Adelaide for critical injuries and the second taken to hospital in Alice Springs.
The worker has since been taken into custody and faces multiple serious charges relating to dangerous driving and causing serious harm. The matter is before the courts and remains ongoing.
Why this matters for service station owners
Fuel theft is frustrating and costly, especially for independent operators working on tight margins. However, this incident is a stark reminder that pursuing suspected offenders can place lives at risk and expose staff and business owners to devastating legal consequences.
Service stations are not law enforcement environments. Chasing vehicles, confronting offenders off site, or taking matters into your own hands can escalate situations far beyond what anyone expects.
Key takeaway for ServoPro members
It is critical that clear procedures are in place for handling fuel drive offs, including
• Staff training on when not to intervene
• Use of CCTV and number plate capture
• Immediate reporting to police rather than pursuit
• Clear signage and payment controls where possible
Protecting your people must always come before recovering the cost of stolen fuel. Incidents like this reinforce why safety first policies are essential for every independent site, regardless of location or size.
ServoPro encourages members to review their fuel theft response procedures and ensure staff understand that personal safety and legal protection come first, every time.
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