Drive Off Prevention:A Useful Guide for Petrol

Retailers

Drive Off Prevention

Introduction

The aim of this booklet is to show you some of the common signs that a drive off is about to occur. It is not an exhaustive list but will hopefully provide you with the tools to identify and prevent future drive offs.

A drive off occurred after each of the images you are about to see were captured.

Drive Off PreventionWatch the driver

• The driver is still at the wheel whilst the passenger fills the car with fuel.

• The passenger door is open.

Recommended Action• Use the tannoy to ask for

the passenger door to be closed.

• Do not authorise the pump or stop if already authorised.

Drive Off PreventionHow is the vehicle parked?

• In this instance the vehicle was parked facing away from the kiosk.

• Again the passenger is filling up with fuel whilst the driver is still at the wheel.

Recommended Action• Use the tannoy to ask for the

passenger door to be closed.• Do not authorise the pump or

stop if already authorised.

Drive Off PreventionIs the driver trying to hide something?

• This driver is filling jerry cans placed on the back seat of the car.

• The driver is trying to hide his body and face behind his car.

Recommended Action• Do not authorise the pump.• Cut off the pump if it has

already been authorised.

Drive Off PreventionBeware of large vehicles

• In this example the motorcyclist is using the delivery truck as cover.

• The rider is also still wearing his crash helmet making identification impossible.

Recommended Action• If you can’t see the pump

and who’s at it, don’t authorise it.

Drive Off PreventionCheck vehicle registration plates

• You can clearly see the plates have been deliberately covered up on this vehicle.

Recommended Action• If you can’t see a

registration plate don’t authorise the pump.

Drive Off PreventionMake sure you can see customers’ faces

• Here both bikers are using the same pump to refuel.

• Neither riders have removed their crash helmets.

• One of the bikes is not displaying a registration plate.

Recommended Action• Don’t authorise the pump,

request pre-payment.

Drive Off PreventionIs that engine still on?

• This vehicle was facing away from the kiosk. Notice the brake lights are on which could mean the engine is still running!

Recommended Action• Use the tannoy to ask for

the engine to be turned off before authorising the pump.

Drive Off PreventionHow is the vehicle parked?

• In this case it is pointing towards the exit to make a quick get away.

• The vehicle lights are still on which could mean the engine is still running.

Recommended Action• Use the tannoy to show the

driver that you have noticed them on the forecourt.

Drive Off PreventionIn summary …

Common Signs

• Driver still at the wheel, passenger filling up• Open doors• Number plates hidden or appear altered• Lights of the vehicle still switched on• Vehicle parked facing away from the kiosk towards the exit• Customer trying to hide behind their own or another’s vehicle

when filling up• Bikers not removing their crash helmets

Drive Off PreventionIn summary …

What can be done

• Make eye contact, this can be surprisingly effective if the person knows someone has seen them.

• Use the tannoy to make suspicious people aware you have noticed them on the forecourt. Ask them to check their engine is off if lights are on, close open doors etc.

• If the station is manned by two or more persons make regular walks out onto the forecourt to re-stock or clean the forecourt.

• Don’t be afraid to request pre-payment, go with your instincts.