The MTA has continued to call for charges to be laid against fuel theft offenders. Service station retailers operate on thin profit margins and it is unacceptable for authorities not to take this issue seriously.

More needs to be done. Daily drive-offs continue to occur costing operators thousands of dollars. In few other situations do Police receive number plates and CCTV of an alleged offender and their vehicle.

Thieves have stolen significant amounts of fuel up to $300 at a single time. It continues to affect service station members and this is why we recently called on the Police to take action, which you can watch here.

The MTA also recently responded to reports of a couple stealing fuel up to 90 times from different locations. Coming down harder on people who exploit the system would send a clear deterrent across our community.

The MTA will continue to work with the Police to encourage charges to be laid against offenders on the first instance of fuel theft. Businesses should not have to wait until the third or fourth time an offender commits the crime until Police investigate the theft.

We have had positive preliminary discussions with the State Government and the Police Minister. We look forward to advancing this and placing this important issue front and centre of authorities.

Theft should never be a cost of doing business but authorities are unfortunately sending the wrong message that you will not be pursued if you decide to steal from a service station.