Axminster officers warn people who drive off without paying they will be prosecuted

Axminster police have launched a crackdown on thieves who fill up at the garage and drive off without paying.

They have been putting up posters warning offenders they will be prosecuted.

Police Community Support Officers Hayley Widger and Andy Trott were at Kilmington Cross Services last week to put the message across.

The petrol station has been a particular target for the fuel thieves in recent months.

Owner Gobu Rasalingam said people driving off without paying had cost him hundreds of pounds recently.

PCSO Trott said: “We are cracking down on people who fill up and don’t pay. We are making them award that they are being watched.”

The posters being attached to fuel pumps warn: “These premises are covered by CCTV cameras. If you do not have the means to pay please do not fill up your vacuole with any fuel.

“Deliberate failure to make payment before leaving this forecourt is a criminal offence. You will be prosecuted.”