People who drive away from petrol stations without paying for fuel cost the fuel industry €2 million a year, it was revealed today.
The Irish Petroleum Industry Association (IPIA) today began a campaign warning motorists they will be tracked down by the Garda if they try to escape without paying.
The campaign, which is being mounted in conjunction with Crimestoppers, will see thousands of posters at 2,700 petrol stations around the country from May 1st.
The chairman of the IPIA's security committee, Timo Halonen, said gardaí believe many people who drive off without paying are involved in more serious criminal activities elsewhere.
"This campaign is part of a wider movement of co-operation between the industry and the Garda Síochána which has already shown significant reductions in all areas of crime at our service stations," Mr Halonen said.