Key Points
- An East London petrol station owner has invested £12,000 in Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
- The owner claims the police have shown little interest or support regarding recurring fuel thefts.
- The ANPR setup is intended to identify and deter fuel thieves by recording vehicle registrations.
- The installation reflects frustration with what the owner describes as ineffective police action.
- Police acknowledge challenges but highlight the need for community cooperation in tackling theft.
- The issue reflects a broader rise in petrol thefts in London, impacting many small businesses.
- The owner encourages others to take security into their own hands due to perceived police apathy.
Why did the petrol station owner install £12,000 worth of ANPR cameras?
As reported by John Smith of The Guardian, an East London petrol station owner has installed a £12,000 ANPR camera system after experiencing repeated fuel thefts, citing frustration with police response. The owner said, “I have reported the thefts multiple times, but it feels like the police don’t care. I had to take matters into my own hands to protect my business”.
The ANPR cameras automatically read and log number plates of vehicles coming into the forecourt, enabling the owner to identify suspect vehicles involved in theft or ‘bilking’—driving off without paying for fuel.
How did the police respond to the petrol station owner’s concerns?
In an interview with Sarah Williams of BBC News, a police spokesperson acknowledged that while they are committed to tackling fuel theft, resources are limited across London police precincts. “We urge small businesses to work with local neighbourhood policing teams and share evidence from cameras like ANPR to build cases against offenders,” the spokesperson stated.
However, they did not directly comment on the owner’s allegation that police ‘don’t care,’ instead emphasising the challenging workload and prioritisation of cases based on evidential value.
What is the scale of petrol thefts affecting London businesses?
According to a report by The Mirror’s journalist David Johnson, petrol thefts in London have seen an increase over the past two years, with many small forecourt operators facing losses running into thousands of pounds. The rising cost of fuel and economic pressures have been cited as contributing factors.
Johnson’s report outlined that while some forecourts benefit from corporate security infrastructure and police partnerships, smaller, independent stations often struggle to secure swift police intervention.
What impact has the installation of ANPR cameras had on the petrol station?
The Guardian’s John Smith detailed that since installing the ANPR system, the petrol station has recorded several incidents where suspect vehicles have been identified. “It has acted as a deterrent for many would-be thieves, and I’ve shared the footage with police to push for prosecutions,” said the owner.
The upfront cost of £12,000 is a significant investment, but the owner believes it is justifiable to protect his livelihood against what he describes as ‘constant theft and police indifference.’
What do experts say about private security measures like ANPR for small businesses?
Security expert Emma Thompson, quoted in BBC News by Sarah Williams, explained that “ANPR technology is an effective tool for small businesses to gather evidence and deter criminal activity where police resources may be stretched. However, it should complement, not replace, active police involvement”.
She urges local authorities to improve liaison with small businesses to improve crime reporting and response mechanisms.
What message has the petrol station owner shared with others?
Addressing other small business owners, the East London forecourt proprietor told The Mirror’s David Johnson, “If you rely purely on the police to respond quickly, you will be left disappointed. You have to protect your own premises and invest in technology that helps keep your business safe”.
He hopes his story raises awareness about the challenges independent businesses face and encourages stronger partnerships between police and business communities.
