POLICE have released CCTV images of people they want to speak to following a number of petrol station ‘drive offs’ in Blackburn.

A major crackdown has been launched in the area in a bid to tackle the problem.

Every year there are thousands of incidents in East Lancashire involving people driving off without paying for fuel.

Forecourt Watch has seen an increase in CCTV put in place and a poster campaign warning motorists.

Sergeant James Black urged people to contact police if they recognise any of the offenders.

He said: “We recognise that the theft of fuel has a significant impact on consumers and retailers and we are committed to working with other agencies to tackle this sort of crime.”

The images show a range of recent incidents.

At 3.30pm on June 22, a man drove his car on to the petrol station forecourt at the Tesco store on Hill Street and filled up his car to the value of nearly £52 before driving off without paying.

There have been two other similar incidents at the same petrol station.

Around 3.45pm on July 13, a man drove off without paying for £65 of petrol and just after 6pm on July 24, a man made off without paying for 22.57 litres of fuel.

At around 10am on June 26, a man filled up his car to the value of £38.55 at the Somerfield store on Preston New Road but failed to make a payment.

Call police on 0845 1253545 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.