ForeCourt Eye

[sgtbush]

So, technically, you have stolen fuel.

By fueling up your pertaining that you have the means to pay for it.

You could of done a few oter things like phone a friend to make an over the phone payment etc etc.

The garage uses other "routes" to make sure its paid. They could of reported you straight to the police and you would of been arrested and possibly charged.

[sgtbush]

By the VERY FACT of you fueling up your representing that you have the means to pay.

 

Just because the garage uses alternative means without getting the police involved means they are paid quicker and YOU have less chance of being charged.

Yes it is a criminal offence.

It Is not a civil matter if the police get involved.

 

Do not do this.

The garage will report you to the police.

 

Qouted from Kent police.

 

Non-Payment of Fuel

 

A customer has left without paying for their petrol

 

If a customer has left a petrol station or garage forecourt without making payment, (known as bilking) staff should first make a report to the police.

 

If there is evidence of a criminal offence, such as false number plates or involvement of a repeat offender, we will continue to investigate using the regular process.

 

Recover outstanding payment

 

Genuine mistakes can sometimes happen and in these cases garages and petrol stations are able to recover any outstanding payments through civil recovery.

 

This allows a garage or petrol station to obtain the vehicles details via the DVLA and contact the owner to arrange for payments to be made.

 

If after a reasonable attempt at civil recovery the fuel is not paid for, further action can be taken.

 

I have received a civil recovery letter

 

If you have received a civil recovery letter, it means the garage or petrol station that is writing to you, believe you have left without making payment for your fuel. Failure to respond or make payment may lead to further action being taken by the police.

[sgtbush]

https://www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/advice/vehicles-and-roads/non-payment-of-fuel/

 

https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/your-options/leaving-petrol-station-without-paying

 

 

https://www.kent.police.uk/advice/theft/fuel-theft/

[sgtbush]

Then I suggest you do look at the different police forces websites.

They are written by lawyers.

 

What I'm saying is that at the time payment could not be made and yes, maybe the garage were too quick to send off the info without the involvement of the police.

BUT

If now payment is not made, as suggested by the OP, then there lies the caveat of willfully or intentionality of permanently depriving.