Fuel theft on the rise in UK, leaving petrol station owners frustrated

Petrol theft has become a growing problem in the United Kingdom, with a 23% increase reported since February. According to recent data, thieves are stealing more than £1.2 million worth of fuel from British forecourts every week. This surge has left many petrol station owners struggling to protect their businesses. One such owner is Shailesh Parekh, a 62-year-old who runs six forecourts in Birmingham. His station in Erdington, a residential area about five miles from the city centre, has become a frequent target. Parekh recalls a time when a driver speeding off without paying was rare, but now it happens weekly, sometimes daily. He monitors CCTV feeds from his back office to keep watch. Some thieves are easy to spot, wearing face masks as they approach the pumps. But others are less conspicuous, making it hard to tell who might be a culprit. Parekh says the problem has worsened over the past three years. Despite the scale of the theft, many garage owners feel the police are not doing enough to catch the criminals. The rise in fuel theft adds to the financial pressure on small businesses already dealing with other challenges. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In India, call the Tele-MANAS helpline on 14416. Elsewhere, contact your local crisis line.