AACS: INDUSTRY WELCOMES CHANGE IN PETROL THEFT POLICY

July 9, 2018: Time is finally up for thieves who steal petrol in Victoria.
A recently announced change in policy by Victoria Police will see every petrol theft crime investigated, where previously the burden was on service station operators to prove a crime was committed.
The Australasian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) has welcomed the change, which CEO Jeff Rogut says is in line with community and industry expectations.
“The AACS has long argued that in the case of petrol theft, a crime is a crime and should be treated as such. On average, each service station in Australia loses $162 per week as a result of criminals who steal petrol, which is a significant sum in the context of any small business,” Mr Rogut says.
“Of course, there are dangerous implications for staff and the general public when people flee without paying after they fill up. This change in policy has come not a moment too soon.
“The incidence of crimes committed against the convenience industry has spiralled in recent times. The change in petrol theft policy represents a step in the right direction and elevates Victoria to a leading position nationally in tackling this crime.
“We commend Victoria Police and the Victorian Government for recognising the severe nature of petrol theft, and we also thank the Opposition for its support in this area.
“If you steal petrol, the message is clear: the police are coming for you. And from the industry’s perspective, we’ll be doing all we can to help them catch you,” he says.
The new policy means each petrol theft will be recorded, enabling a dossier on repeat offenders to be maintained and used for prosecution purposes.
One of the most common, ill-founded “solutions” to petrol theft often put forward by those not in the industry is mandatory prepaid systems, which force people to pay before they fill up. However mandatory prepay is not a viable option for retailers, for whom impulse sales and add-on purchases are crucial to their profitability, given the low margin on fuel.
“Prepayment systems penalise all customers because of the few who do the wrong thing. It also penalises retailers who rely on additional in-store sales,” Mr Rogut says.
Jeff Rogut   
Chief Executive Officer
Australasian Association of Convenience Stores
Ph: +61 467 873 789
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Stephen Naylor
Wise McBaron Communication
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