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Millions of pounds worth of fuel was stolen from petrol station forecourts across the country last year.

Figures released by the Metropolitan Police show ninety percent of offenders use a vehicle with a stolen licence plate, making it difficult to trace them.Ìý

An estimated £500 worth of fuel is being stolen each WEEK from the garages..

Now, in response to the problem, two petrol stations in Luton have been fitted with stinger spike strips to stop people driving off without paying.

Entry warning signs

´óÏó´«Ã½ Three Counties Radio reporter Gareth Lloyd went along to the Texaco Petrol Station on Barton Road in Luton to have a look!

"At the entrance to the garage, there are now a set of three lights, two reds above one green light.Ìý When the light is green, drivers can obviously enter the forecourt and safely drive over the stinger strip" explained Gareth

"At the exit, there are again three lights, but this time there are two reds above an amber light. So there is not a clear signal to drivers to 'go', instead you're getting a 'warning go' – you can go but be careful!

Motorists are warned as they leave...

"It's certainly clear to anyone who decides to use this petrol station with the intention of not paying for their fuel that they're going to be stopped.Ìý Both the signs and the lights are clearly visible and an obvious deterrent to anyone considering driving off without paying."

"Innocent people who just forget to pay will be reminded by the amber warning light, and anyone trying their luck will now find themselves with a couple of flat tyres!"

So how does it work?

In the event of a driveoff the forecourt operator simply activates the system and the stinger is raised, deflating the rear tyres as the vehicle attempts to leave the forecourt.

The petrol station told the ´óÏó´«Ã½: "We are just asking people to please stop and pay for their fuel. Now drivers have no excuse if they do drive off - they have been warned...!"