Fuel thefts rise at Latvian petrol stations

Fuel thefts are increasing at petrol stations in Latvia, with each incident costing businesses about 100 euros as fuel prices reach two euros a litre, LSM reported. The report was written by Latvian Radio journalist Daina Zalamane.

A video circulated on social media last week showing a young man driving away from a petrol station in a car with Lithuanian registration plates without paying after refuelling. He was quickly caught.

Police representative Gita Gžibovska said fuel thefts are reported daily, most often in Riga and other large cities. Fuel is stolen from petrol stations and trucks, with losses typically ranging from 100 to 150 euros. Offenders often use stolen number plates and change them regularly, she said, adding that police solve some cases.

At the end of July, police in Riga detained two men suspected of repeatedly stealing fuel from a station in the Krasta Street area. In early September, officers from the Latgale regional police administration detained a man suspected of stealing 223 litres of fuel from machinery belonging to a company in Ludza municipality.

Kool, which operates more than 60 petrol stations, says thefts are most common in Riga and the surrounding area. The company’s sales and logistics manager, Edgars Vanags, said the high prices have increased interest among dishonest drivers.

All Kool stations have video cameras and alarm buttons. Many of its regional stations have introduced prepayment, while some offer both prepayment and payment after fuelling. Vanags said the company can remotely activate pumps when a customer does not raise suspicion, but more fuel retailers are considering prepayment to reduce thefts.