GREENWICH: Device slashes thefts from petrol stations

The device, pioneered by UK security company Drivestop, detects when a driver has not paid for fuel at a petrol station.

A loudspeaker announcement and red flashing lights warn the would-be thief and a row of metal spikes embedded in the forecourt spring up and slash the car's tyres should the driver leave the station without paying.

The Drivestop device costs £10,000 and is currently being used at 13 petrol stations across Britain.

It has proved a successful deterrent for the Total station in Footscray Road, New Eltham, which has so far had two petrol thieves drive over the spikes since it was installed in January.

According to a Total spokesman, the petrol station has seen a significant drop in losses from drive-off fuel thieves, with losses of about £700 last September down to less than £50 in April.

The spokesman said: "The device's effectiveness as a deterrent is proven by the fact we have only ever had to use them a handful of times across all our stations."

Drivestop developed the device in response to an increase in fuel theft at petrol stations across the UK.

A survey by the British Oil Security Syndicate (Boss) has revealed the cost of drive-offs rose from £23.8m in 2006 to more than £28.6m in 2007.

The syndicate claims rises in fuel prices are a major cause of this.

Boss executive director Kevin Eastwood said: "Crime at petrol stations remains at an unacceptable level and to some extent these are driven by the rise in fuel prices."

As well as slashing tyres, the device also leaves a metal tube inside the tyre with an identification number on it, allowing police to link the vehicle with the theft.

But the Metropolitan Police have refused to comment on the legality of the device.

A spokesman from campaign group the Association of British Drivers (ABD) fears the device will discriminate against innocent drivers, adding: "These new measures smack of vigilantism.

"To destroy other people's property is a step too far."