PETROL stations are to display posters of people suspected of driving off without paying for fuel.

Details will be shared by the police and retail staff through ‘Forecourt Watch’ which is being rolled out across Hyndburn.

Since the start of 2009, there have been more than 60 incidents in the borough where people have made off without paying for fuel, totalling around £3,000.

Many offences happen in the early evening and are often linked to offenders or vehicles involved in other types of crime.

Police have teamed up with retailers and the British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS) to share information about suspects, known offenders, vehicles, registration plates and MOTs.

Every station in Hyndburn will take part in the scheme, which is already operating in 70 areas throughout the UK.

Geographic inspector for Hyndburn David Mangan, said: “Theft of fuel has a significant impact on consu-mers, retailers and the police.

“Forecourt Watch will lead to positive changes in the way we manage forecourt crime: driving down fuel theft, increasing the number of detections and maintaining this business environment as a safe place for staff and customers alike.”

Kevin Eastwood, executive director of BOSS, said: “By building successful partnerships with local police, fuel retailers and other agencies, we are able to deter and prevent crime on forecourts.”

Anyone with information or concerns about service station ‘drive-offs’ can con-tact police on 0845 1 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.