So, there you are, multi-tasking at the petrol station, as one does. There’s an urgent email on your phone, but a banging track on your Spotify (Soundgarden was it?), while side quest alert: you’re wondering if you shouldn’t pop into the Quick Shop to do, well, a quick shop, and the next thing you know in all your distraction, an astronomical sum of money has just been siphoned off your account. Well, F*Expletive*
The good news – although we’re hard pressed to call it that, is that while it may be daylight robbery, it isn’t theft (yet – that will come). In this article we will unpack exactly what you need to be wary of over the next few months as these crazy fuel prices no doubt continue to rise. Because the con-artists, opportunists and career criminals never met a crisis they couldn’t make a bit worse for the rest of us.
The Real Price of Liquid Gold
Since we are all now dealing in liquid gold, with a rising price point that will in turn affect food and amenities, we will likely have to make some hard choices. Like working from home (how very pandemic), shopping differently and generally driving less. But what we must never lose sight of in all of this, whether your car is safely tucked in your garage or not, is the need to stay alert, wise and wary, because bad players are fueling a crime wave. Take note:
- We are lucky *insert ehhhh gif* here in SA that the unleaded petrol price is governmentally regulated. The diesel drivers though have unfortunately already run afoul of opportunistic service station owners, who upped their prices the moment the first bomb dropped on Iran. So, diesel drivers this one’s for you. Be aware of the price at the pump. Also stay abreast of your local norms. While it costs money to dive from one station to the next, it may be worth it over the long haul. Literally and figuratively.
- After a bad rap in the early days, forecourts have become one of the safest places to shop (theoretically, if not practically). There is 24-hour surveillance after all. It’s quick. It’s convenient and sometimes it’s even Woolies. Turns out that these days it’s just about 50/50 on whether you pull into a service station to fill up on fuel or to top up on food.
If you’re being followed home, or are otherwise worried about your safety on the roads, forecourts are one of the places we recommend you go. Its light. Its bright. Its peopled. And you can wait for us, or your help of choice there. This remains true, but we also now can’t lose sight of the fact that with the rise in fuel prices that a) the criminals are themselves more desperate. b) service stations really are somewhat exposed and c) they move a lot of cash making them a target.
All the more reason to be a little more careful the next time you pull in to a pump or a parking spot.
- Stay alert at all times. Scan your surroundings and keep an eye on your rearview mirrors. Don’t get distracted by your phone or that still banging tune.
- If you see suspicious characters or cars lurking. Don’t exit your vehicle. Assess and potentially leave. With or without the fuel or food you came for. Always trust your gut, it’s natures built-in early warning device.
- We know that the price point makes it hard, but try not let your vehicle run on fumes. If there is something potentially dangerous happening at your service station, forcing you to drive on, you are putting yourself at unnecessary risk.
- Don’t roll your window down fully. This is an unobstructed invitation to opportunists.
- Avoid high risk times. Especially very late at night / early hours of the morning when the station is at its quietest.
- Only go to busy well-lit stations.
- Secure bags and things in the boot before arriving at the service station. They should be in there anyway. *gives you the silently judging side eye*
- If you are held up. Remain calm. Hand over anything and everything that is asked of you, apart from yourself, obviously.
- Fuel siphoning is going to escalate and fast. This is both opportunistic crime and criminal syndicate stuff. If you own trucks and / or move goods, make sure that you have anti-siphoning devices in place. If you are the average person on the road, watch your tank being filled, and make sure your fuel cover is locked the next time you leave your car (even in your garage). All anyone needs is a piece of hose, a touch of desperation and a strong constitution.
- Those that keep their own fuel on hand due to owning fleets and equipment, be careful with it, and keep it secure. You are likely to be watched, making you a target. To the average driver, please don’t try and keep fuel on hand. It is an incredibly dangerous thing to do, even without the risk of criminal interest.
We know that the following few months are going to be a shock to the system. But let’s stay vigilant, so that we don’t run the risk of making the price we pay even greater than anticipated, in other far more debilitating ways.
Ps. Extra Service PSA, because that’s how we roll. Ignore those ‘traffic violation’ texts you’ve been getting – while the AARTO system is coming (big yikes), it is not here yet (1 July 2026 implementation apparently), so those little ‘act immediately, send us all your money’ messages are a scam.
Call us, In Case of Anything.
