Heidi Braithwaite
April 29, 2013
Quest Newspapers
POLICE are seeking public assistance after a woman was thrown in the air and petrol left gushing from a broken bowser in a daring drive-off at Mt Warren Park, southeast Queensland, last week.
Police said drivers were so determined to steal petrol they were now risking the lives of their family and friends.
Police said the incident occurred at the Mt Warren Park Caltex after an alert console operator approached the car to check the registration plates.
They are still searching for both offenders and want anyone recognising the alleged offender to contact police.
Surveillance video shows the woman launched into the air before landing hard on the ground, narrowly missing being covered in fuel pouring from the damaged bowser when the driver of the car bearing stolen plates sped away as she filled up.
Logan District Inspector Darren Harland said drive-offs were still a huge problem across the city with stolen plates attached to most cars involved.
He said on other occasions there were no plates at all or the car was stolen.
Caltex service station owner Shane Jacobson said last week’s incident was the first time he had seen a hose ripped from the bowser in a drive off.
He said people were stealing up to $90 in fuel each time, money he could never re-coup.
“It does cost us a hell of a lot of money.”
Mr Jacobson said he believed a pre-paid policy, forcing drivers to pay before filling up, may not be far off.
Phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333000 if you have information about the drive-off.
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