Deeside garages sign up to forecourt watch scheme

News and Info from Deeside, Flintshire, North Wales

This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Dec 11th, 2013

A watch scheme to combat the number of motorists driving away from garages without paying for their fuel has been introduced in Flintshire.

Flintshire Forecourt Watch has been launched by the Community Safety Partnership and local businesses working together to tackle “driving off “incidents.

So far 15 garages throughout the county are connected though the Online Watch Link (OWL), sharing information and intelligence. Five more are expected to join soon.

They all have CCTV and prominently positioned posters warning motorists that the garage is part of the watch scheme.

Staff have also been trained to ensure that evidence Is collated as soon as an offence occurs.

Community Safety Sergeant, Dawn Samuels said;

“Nationally this crime costs fuel retailers millions of pounds a year and garages throughout Flintshire have been victims.

“Although there have been deterrent schemes in the past, we now have better quality CCTV, good communications and improved training for garage staff.

“There are some genuine mistakes when people forget to pay, but there are also deliberate incidents where dishonest motorists intentionally make no effort to pay, or where criminals are using stolen plates or vehicles.

“This scheme will help deter or catch offenders.”

Deeside garages signed up so far include:

	Quay Services, Church Street, Connah’s Quay
	Tesco Stores, Broughton Shopping Park, Broughton
	Cottage Service Station, Sealand Road
	Saltney Service Station, High Street, Saltney
	Queensferry Service Station, Chester Road East
	BP Deeside Parkway, Deeside Industrial Estate