DRIVERS who steal fuel from service stations are being targeted in a new police crackdown.

Strathclyde Police and the British Oil Security Syndicate have launched Glasgow Garscadden Forecourt Watch to cut "drive-away" crime.

Police fear rocketing fuel costs may lead to a rise in the number of motorists filling up their vehicles without paying.

West End garages have joined the scheme, which will target fuel thefts or drivers who use service stations and go on to commit other crimes.

When a service station suffers a drive-off, staff will report it immediately to the police.

Using a ring-round' system, Forecourt Watch will provide petrol retailers with an early warning of any crimes committed at service stations in their area, together with details of the suspects and their vehicles.

Sergeant Alison McAuley, of Drumchapel police station, said: "Forecourt Watch is an excellent opportunity for retailers and the police to robustly target this type of crime."

BOSS estimates fuel crime in Britain, excluding credit card fraud, cost £32.5million last year.

Jim Anderson, BOSS co-ordinator for Scotland, said: "By targeting drive-offs we can prevent other crimes."