Police ask taxi drivers to be on guard shifting stock from petrol stations

North Wales Police are advising petrol station owners and employees following recent fraud offences.

A petrol station on London Road, Valley was targeted over the weekend and a forecourt in Wrexham is recently believed to also have been a victim.

The offenders are purporting to be area managers of franchises, and convincingly asking employees to send pump meter printouts to management via a mobile phone number. 

The offender will then request stock details, and for the stock be transferred to other branches. The callers are then utilising local taxi companies to transport the stock.

Area Support Sergeant for Anglesey, Ian Roberts, said: “This is clearly a well organised scam that targeted a local business. Financially, the loss is considerable to the victim and we are urging other retailers to be aware of any suspicious calls. 

“I would encourage forecourt staff to challenge any suspicious calls, and if needed to call representatives back on authorised telephone numbers. 

“If persons attend forecourts and assert they are management, suitable identification checks should be carried out. 

“Additionally, taxi and courier companies should be aware if a request to transport goods from petrol stations is received.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.

Advice on fraud prevention is also available via https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/business-protection