Somerset West police are urging petrol station owners and staff to be vigilant and extra cautious after two separate incidents of fuel theft were reported.
According to spokesperson Sgt Suzan Jantjies, it appears the suspects’ modus operandi is to stop at the petrol station in the early hours of the morning, refuel their vehicle by filling up the tank and on the petrol assistant’s request for payment, says they will pay by card or inside. Once the attendant moves away to either fetch the card machine or allow for payment at the till inside the suspects speed off in the vehicle without paying for the fuel. “In both instances the registration numbers were obtained, but proved to be false,” said Jantjies.
“Police are monitoring the situation and request that petrol station staff be vigilant and prevent such incidents.”
Anyone with information can contact the investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Andry Lottering, on 021 850 1344.
