THE number of ‘bilking’ offences at petrol stations reported to Devon & Cornwall Police in the last five years has been revealed in a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.

Between April 1, 2020 and June 15, 2025, there were 3,250 reported offences of making off without payment, otherwise known as ‘bilking’, the FOI request shows.

It would not be unreasonable to assume that offences relate exclusively to fuel, however the offence is not limited to stealing fuel - it also includes not paying for a meal or a taxi, for example.

The act of leaving a petrol station without paying for fuel is covered by the Theft Act 1978.

The offence of Making Off Without Payment (MOWP) is outlined in section three of the Act.