The latest Forecourt Crime Index from the trade body BOSS (the British Oil Security Syndicate), shows a slight rise of 0.25 per cent in the final quarter of 2024, reaching 235. This modest increase highlights, BOSS reports, challenges for forecourt retailers despite falling fuel prices. During the quarter, the average fuel price per litre (ppl) dropped to £1.36 from £1.44 in the third quarter of last year.
As a result, BOSS estimates that average annual losses from unpaid fuel incidents now stand at £8,800 a year for a forecourt, which is lower than previous estimates due to falling fuel prices. The average number of incidents per site in the last quarter of 2024 was 28.4, a marginal increase from 28.3 in the quarter before.
The average number of litres taken per No Means of Payment (NMoP) incident rose by 4.7 per cent to 46.87 litres, while the number of litres taken per Drive-Off-Failure-to-Pay (DOFP) incident declined by 1.8 per cent to 33.37 litres. ‘No Means of Payment’ incidents continue to dominate fuel reports to BOSS Payment; they account for 56pc of all unpaid fuel reports submitted.
Claire Nichol, Executive Director at BOSS, says: “Although the overall increase in the Forecourt Crime Index is minimal, the ongoing issue of unpaid fuel incidents continues to be a concern for retailers.
“The increase in fuel volumes taken in No Means of Payment incidents suggests that some offenders are exploiting forecourt policies, while the slight drop in Drive-Off incidents may indicate improved security measures. Retailers must continue to prioritise vigilance, invest in security, and strengthen crime prevention strategies to mitigate losses.”
About BOSS
For forecourt retailers to reduce crime, best practice guidance is available to help businesses on security, prevent fuel theft, and ensure forecourts remain safe for staff and customers. Visit https://bossuk.org/guidance/.
