Leaving a service station without paying for fuel is an offence. In certain circumstances, Victoria Police may notify the registered owner that their vehicle was involved in a fuel theft.
What happens if you leave without paying for your fuel
The steps that may follow when someone leaves a service station without paying for their fuel.
The retailer files a fuel theft report
When someone leaves a service station without paying for fuel, the retailer may file a fuel theft report to Victoria Police.
The retailer may provide the vehicle's registration details to assist us to identify the registered owner.
The registered owner is notified
The registered owner of the vehicle may receive a text or email advising their vehicle was involved in a fuel theft.
The message will include:
- the suburb, date and time of the incident
- the registration number of the vehicle that was involved, and
- a reference number that can be used to follow up on the incident.
Respond to the fuel theft notification
The registered owner or driver may have genuinely forgotten to pay for the fuel in the moment. They can arrange payment by returning to or contacting the service station.
Once the payment has been resolved, the registered owner, driver or retailer can notify Victoria Police by calling the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
Police investigation commences
The fuel theft report will be assigned to a police officer to investigate and action.
If contact is not made with Victoria Police to advise the matter has been resolved, the assigned officer will contact the retailer to establish if:
- payment has been arranged, or
- further investigation is required.
How Victoria Police will notify you
We may notify registered owners about a fuel theft by SMS (+61429166091) or email (no-reply@police.vic.gov.au).
To query a notification, contact the Police Assistance Line on 131 444 and quote your reference number.
Fuel theft notifications are for information only and cannot receive replies.
Victoria Police will never ask you to complete a fuel transaction online, or ask you to provide banking details, credit card details or passwords.
When the notification does not apply to you
In some cases, the vehicle registered in your name may not have been under your control. Someone else may have been driving the vehicle or using the number plates registered in your name.
Follow the below steps to resolve the fuel theft incident.
Common questions about fuel theft notifications
Frequently asked questions about fuel theft, the reporting process, and Victoria Police notifications.
Report a fuel theft
Instructions for retailers on how to report a fuel theft from their service station.
Updated