Fuel thefts up 61% as UK petrol pump prices keep climbing

Petrol Retailers Association says motorists driving off without paying, as average cost hits new high of 191.2p a litre

Fuel thefts from British filling stations have shot up by nearly two-thirds this year to record levels amid soaring prices, an industry body has said.

The Petrol Retailers Association said drive-off incidents, where a motorist fills up and makes no attempt to pay before leaving, have increased by 61% so far this year compared with the same period in 2021.