Motorists who fill up on fuel without paying have stolen enough to drive almost halfway round the world in one Bradford police division.

Since the turn of the year there have been 74 such incidents in Toller Lane - which accounts for eight per cent of all recorded crime in the division.

And the amount of fuel stolen from around a dozen petrol stations during January is valued at £1,600.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Sedgwick, of Toller Lane CID, said: "We've worked out that's enough to drive to Rome and back four times, or the 11,000 miles to South Africa to watch England's next cricket match!"

The problem is now so bad that DCI Sedgwick has called a meeting with garage bosses to figure out a way of stopping the thefts.

One option would be for petrol stations to install a pre-pay system, which would require customers to leave cash or credit cards with attendants before filling up.

DCI Sedgwick said: "Many garages have CCTV cameras. But the majority of incidents involve vehicles carrying stolen or altered number plates, which cannot be traced.

"From a police point of view we just don't have the resources to monitor petrol stations or spend vast amounts of time on investigations.

"Garage owners can reduce the risks by installing better quality CCTV systems cited in the right place and better pump visibility for cashiers. But the best deterrent would be pre-pay."

The petrol pumps can be operated by forecourt cashiers. If customers do not pre-pay, or go over the agreed amount, the fuel flow can then be cut off.

Harold Hawkyard, who started the Westfield Garage in Lilycroft Road, Toller, 54 years ago, says pre-pay will only work if it is adopted by all petrol stations.

He said: "Making off without payment is a major problem. It used to be a few incidents here and there - now they're coming thick and fast.

"People are blatant about it. They fill up their cars knowing they have no intention of paying for it. Some even smile at the cashiers as they drive off. Pre-pay is the answer. But motorists might be put off by it."

Detectives are to meet with garage owners in Toller Lane next month to discuss the problem.

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