A POLICE campaign has been launched in a bid to clamp down on petrol pump evaders in Redbridge.

In the wake of spiralling numbers of crooks filling up their tanks and driving off without paying, Ilford police is working alongside garages to step up surveillance in a high-profile campaign.

Police have already erected a number of prominent signs at some 27 petrol stations across the borough warning would-be evaders to think again if they are planning to fill up without paying.

Ilford police's crime prevention officer John Ruff said: "Our crime figures show these incidents make up a huge percentage of overall crime.

"There is good intelligence to suggest that some of those concerned with this offence are local and are known within the community.

"Those committing what we call Drive-outs are often involved in other forms of crime, including the various offences relating to credit card theft, fraud, deception and cloning."

With this in mind, a meeting was staged last month between police and garage managers and staff, pinpointing the ways in which they can help reduce incidents from occurring.

As well as checking that CCTV equipment is working effectively and correctly, staff are also being urged to take down as many details as possible about the evaders themselves, not just the car registration number.

Past evidence suggests that some vehicles are being used with false numberplates and a change of drivers, so closed circuit television footage and good descriptions are crucial in catching the culprits themselves.

Intelligence and information will then be passed to neighbouring boroughs as well as councils and social landlords to widen the search for the offenders.

Any petrol stations wanting more information about the initiative or wishing to help police with their enquiries should contact PC Ruff on 8345 3406.

April 29, 2003 12:00