'Not good enough' - Mayo shop lost €2,000 in week due to 'growing trend'

A Westport councillor has highlighted the growing trend of people filling up their cars with fuel at service stations and then driving off without paying.

Independent Cllr John O’Malley told last week's meeting of Mayo County Council that he knew of one shop that lost €2,000 in a week due to so-called 'drive-offs'.

“The other day, a woman got €70 euro of diesel, bought a packet of crisps, paid for the crisps and then drove off. Another covered her car registration number, she also filled up €70 euro worth and drove off, but the camera was able to pick up her number.

“I didn’t know there was such a problem or there were such people around us, so crooked, who would have the audacity to come into a filling station and drive off. 

"It’s happening in Westport and I was in Claremorris recently and asked in the shops about it there and they told me the same thing is happening, so I am sure it is going on everywhere else in the county too. 

"This is not good enough. When the Guards do get these people, they bring them back to make them pay, but they should be brought to court over this because that is stealing.” 

The Westport councillor said service stations in the United States have a system where you pay for the fuel before you fill your tank.

“That is what will have to happen here. I know a Canadian company that is coming in to buy one of the oil companies and that type of system will certainly happen. It’s hard enough to stay in business but people driving off and not paying, it just can’t be allowed.”