37% reduction in fuel thefts across Gwent

Gwent Police’s “We Don’t Buy Crime” team in action.

A newly established team within Gwent Police are making Gwent an area where fuel theft is not tolerated with new crime prevention techniques.

Supporting local business, officers have installed new signage, reminding the public to pay for their fuel. This new approach by the team has highlighted the partnership approach with the police and sends a direct message to those who try and drive away without paying for fuel.

Comparing November 2019 (pre-pandemic) and November 2021, there has been a 37% reduction in the number of crimes reported to the police involving fuel theft.

Sergeant Jack Purcell said:

“The efforts by the team to sign up the fuel stations have been immediately rewarded with a significant reduction in offences of fuel theft.

“The signage also alerts criminals to the wider work we’re doing to train staff on how to spot the signs of criminality and exploitation.

“We will continue to work with Gwent’s fuel stations to make our communities safer.”

As part of the crime prevention input, forecourt staff are trained to identify signs of criminality and exploitation.

By becoming the eyes and ears of the community, these staff with help improve local intelligence and provide opportunities for early intervention.