SOARING fuel prices were today blamed for an increase in the number of people driving off without paying at petrol stations.

Colchester's crime reduction officer, Colin Stiff, is warning forecourt staff to be on the lookout.

"We are getting a significant increase in the number of reports of people making off without payment," he explained. "With the price of fuel so high nowadays it is more than a temptation and we are getting more and more reports in the eastern division."

There were two thefts from the same petrol station, in London Road, Marks Tey, within four hours of each other yesterday morning.

The first was reported to police at 7.45am, and the second at 11.05am. In both cases, the motorists put £20.01 worth of fuel in their vehicle before driving off.

detections One of the vehicles was a blue Renault, while the other was described only as white.

A third theft took place over the weekend in Clacton, proving the crime is not restricted to one area.

Mr Stiff believes that the ever-increasing price of fuel could see the number of thefts rise, but warned thieves that the technology is helping to close the net on criminals.

He explained: "Increasingly, more petrol stations are utilising the automatic number plate recognition cameras and, at the end of the day, we are having more success in detections.

"If offenders are caught we will not hesitate to take appropriate action against them."

There have been at least three or four reports weekly in the eastern division, which covers Colchester and Tendring districts.

Officers investigating the thefts are examining CCTV footage from the forecourts and are appealing for anyone with any information to call Colchester police on 0300 333 4444.