Scotland: BOSS Introduces Forecourt Watch to Glasgow

The scheme is designed to create a closer link between police, BOSS and retail staff to increase awareness, prevention and the reporting and recording of incidents.  The Strathclyde Forecourt Watch scheme, being rolled out to 14 key service stations in the district, is the latest addition to the 70 schemes already operating throughout the UK.

Marking the launch of the scheme, Superintendent Kevin Duffy said: “During the first five months of 2009 there were 100 reported thefts of petrol from the 14 service stations across the Glasgow South West area. This number of crimes impacts greatly on police resources and also impacts heavily on the finances of the garages affected.  ”Forecourt Watch will bring together the service stations, helping them alongside the police and BOSS to try and reduce this type of crime.”

BOSS Forecourt Watch documentation for the recording and notifying of ‘drive-offs’ and ‘no means of payment’ incidents will be provided to staff at all service stations taking part in the scheme. This enables  service stations to work in conjunction with police and BOSS to help bring offenders to justice.

High visibility stickers and posters on the service station itself are designed to raise awareness among customers and potential thieves that Forecourt Watch is in operation and making off without payment is a criminal offence.  Service stations registered with the scheme also benefit from sharing information with police and each other on suspects, vehicles and known offenders – to maximise disruption and detection of offences.

Jim Anderson, BOSS regional co-ordinator, said: “This is another important building block in what we hope will be a network of Forecourt Watches covering the Glasgow Area. BOSS appreciates the cooperation of Strathclyde Police in another partnership initiative to drive down forecourt crime.”

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