A police force has declared that driving away from a petrol station without paying for fuel is no longer considered a crime.

Devon and Cornwall Police said it would not investigate such incidents unless there was obvious proof of criminal intent. The force has blamed cuts for the decision.

The admission came after one forecourt boss reported a number of thefts. Alex Whittam, 28, who manages the Fal garage in Tresillian, Cornwall, said he thought it was a joke when he was told police would not intervene.

Criminal intent: Devon and Cornwall police said that it will not investigate incidents of people driving away from petrol stations without paying for fuel unless their is evidence of criminal intent. The force has blamed cuts for the decision (file photo)

He was told officers would only respond if there was obvious ‘intent’ to steal – such as a car having false number plates.

But Mr Whittam said this left him open to anyone helping themselves to free fuel.

He said: ‘Essentially I have been told that it’s not a crime. If you fill up with £50 of fuel and drive off, unless you’re threatening, your vehicle is linked to another crime or you have a criminal record, then the police will not pursue it.

'They have said it is now my responsibility to pursue it through the civil courts.’

Mr Whittam added it was not unusual for drivers to leave without paying for fuel worth £80 or £90.

He said: ‘Now petrol is so expensive they try to fit in as much as they can. The worst was £120 but that was some time ago.

Theft: Government cuts mean the force must reduce spending by £51 million, but residents and business owners are angry that they are being left to fend for themselves (file photo)

'If someone leaves my site without paying for a product without my permission that is theft – there’s no other way of defining it.’

Devon and Cornwall Police said the changes to its fuel ‘bilkings’ policy were necessary to provide the ‘best service possible’ with ‘the existing resources’.

Because of Government cuts, the force must reduce spending by £51 million.

A force spokesman said a customer making off without paying was not considered to be committing an offence if there was no indication of intent.