'A regular occurrence': Fuel thefts of €40,000 a year at Limerick petrol station

The retailer points to a 'payback' system in Australia where the courts automatically deduct the price of a fine for offenders from social welfare payments

Shane Gleeson, who owns Inver Petrol Stations at Hurlers Cross in Castletroy’s Dublin Road and Punches Cross, Limerick, said thieves are stealing up to €130 of petrol or diesel at a time. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

Fuel thefts of €40,000 a year have driven one Limerick petrol station owner to breaking point, with repeated drive-offs threatening his business.

Shane Gleeson, who owns Inver Petrol Stations at Hurlers Cross in Castletroy’s Dublin Road and Punches Cross, Limerick, said thieves are stealing up to €130 of petrol or diesel at a time — with annual €20k loss each for his two outlets.