Our roundup of the 3 biggest fuel security stories of the year
Well, that’s 2024 almost over and done with! It’s been a bit of a rocky year for a lot of operators, although thankfully not quite as turbulent as the preceding years – we’re beginning to see some indicators of stability in certain areas, so long may those continue. There’s still (understandably) a lot of uncertainty on other key issues though – so before we all take a tentative step into 2025, here at TankSafe we thought we’d take a quick moment to look at some of the biggest fuel security stories of 2024, as they may play a role in shaping a lot of priorities over the coming 12 months.
Bilking is still on the rise
Fuel theft has surged dramatically in recent years, according to official data. A Freedom of Information request by the RAC Foundation revealed that the DVLA received 39,563 requests for vehicle keeper data related to fuel theft in the third quarter of 2023. This represents a staggering 77% increase compared to the 22,335 requests made during the same period in 2022. The figures are even more alarming when viewed against pre-pandemic levels in 2019, when only 8,558 such requests were made—a 362% rise in just four years.
It all serves to highlight how high fuel prices continue to affect the UK, with widespread economic pressures driving instances of bilking – the term given to refer to stealing fuel from petrol stations without paying. Beyond the forecourts, this desperation is spilling into workplaces, causing concern for fleet managers who are increasingly dealing with "skimming," where employees siphon fuel from company vehicles.
As we’ve touched upon before here at TankSafe, skimming makes up the vast majority of fuel thefts from fleets, so the worrying rise in bilking is worth keeping an eye on, in case the personal situations of any employees may pose a risk of them stealing fuel from work. (If you suspect that’s happening, we’ve written a post on what to do.)
The staggering cost of fleet crime – almost £2000 a year for each business
The financial toll of fleet-related crime has reached worrying levels, with businesses losing an average of £1,900 per fleet over the past year, according to recent survey data. This figure highlights the widespread damage and disruption caused by criminal activity targeting fleet assets.
Small- to medium-sized fleets comprising 11–50 vehicles faced average losses exceeding £1,700 – significant sums that can strain cash flow and hinder daily operations. These costs often extend beyond the immediate impact of theft or vandalism. For instance, insurance claims can drive up premiums, adding long-term financial pressure to an already precarious situation.
The problem is especially severe for smaller fleets, as nearly 60% of survey respondents reported losing over £1,000 due to crime, which can be devastating for more modest operations.
Why have fuel theft cases quadrupled since 2019?
We covered this ourselves earlier in the year – research by the RAC Foundation reveals that cases have surged fourfold since 2019, with 39,563 incidents recorded between July and September 2023 alone. This marks a 77% rise compared to the same period last year and a staggering increase from just 8,558 incidents in 2019.
The cost to filling stations is substantial, with estimates from the British Oil Security Syndicate putting annual losses at an average of £10,500 per location. (Bilking was cited as a major factor in a lot of these incidents.)
The reasons behind this rise are complex, and the data doesn’t paint a picture that’s quite as clear-cut as many would perhaps like it to be. Steve Gooding, head of the RAC Foundation, links it to the broader cost-of-living crisis, speculating that financial hardship may be pushing some to commit theft. However, he warns that more organised criminal activity could also be a factor. His message to would-be offenders is stark: "Don’t fill up if you can’t pay up."
On that note, if you’re one of the many businesses currently building up your own security system, there’s one easy way to effectively secure your fuel – and that’s TankSafe Optimum. It features a patented design that we’ve specifically developed in-house here at TankSafe, with a clever locking valve mechanism that prevents the tank being over-filled or “brimmed”. This isolates the fuel in the tank, therefore effectively preventing any skimming, siphoning or spillage. It’s an excellent way to secure your fuel in the short term while you gradually build up additional security measures that can help catch perpetrators in the act.
You can read more about how TankSafe Optimum works, or don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team if you have any further questions about the best ways to protect your fuel in 2024. Give us a quick call on 01253 400 401, and we'll be happy to help however we can!