Fuel theft a thing of the past?

Petrol companies are set to launch new measures to deter thieves from driving off the forecourt without paying. Petrol station throughout the UK will be installing an anti-theft device that will immobilise the thieves can in seconds.

The device is called the 'Drivestop'; it has tens of jagged metal spikes that can rip your tyres to shreds. This device has often been compared to a shark attack.

Once alarm has been activated the device pops out in area of the forecourt where the problem is detected, basically stopping the thief immediately. The thief will then be facing prosecution and a massive repair bill, as is has not yet been confirmed whether insurance companies will pay on any damage cause by the device if the driver's intention was to not pay.

Motorists driving off from petrol forecourts cost the industry £24.6 million every year.

A petrol station owner who is trialling the device said, "Since installation, we haven't had a single drive-off. It's a very useful deterrent."

You can expect to see signs at petrol stations warning potential thieves about the new system. The inventor of the device recons that 'Drivestop' will drastically cut down the amount of 'drive offs'.