Gardaí have issued a warning to local filling station owners following a spate of recent 'drive offs' in the region .
Longford Gardaí say that several reports have been received from local businesses in recent months.
A drive off is when a motorist fills there vehicle with petrol or diesel and leaves the business without paying.
This has resulted in serious loses to local filling stations in a time when fuel prices are still extremely high.
Perpetrators of this offence often use fake registration plates, while others enter the shop and pay for goods but leave without paying for the fuel.
Local Crime prevention officer with the Longford Roscommon Garda Division, Damien Bartley, says petrol stations in both urban and rural areas are being targeted.
Speaking to Shannonside FM, Sergeant Bartley says up to date CCTV systems can be effective in combating this crime, with staff able to identify suspects and vehicles used to Gardaí.
According to the Sergeant, this crime is often one of opportunity, with the installation of pre-payment system a key deterrent in tackling the issue.
