This vacation season has brought more than just time off for students in the State of Mexico—it has also brought financial losses and scams targeting businesses located along the Mexico–Puebla Highway.
Employees at several gas stations along this major roadway have reported frequent fuel theft through a scheme commonly known as “fill up and drive off.”
What Is the “Fill Up and Drive Off” Fuel Theft Scheme?
The “fill up and drive off” method involves a driver asking the attendant to fill the vehicle’s fuel tank completely. Once the refueling is finished, the driver quickly accelerates away without paying for the gasoline.
According to gas station attendants, this type of theft becomes more common during vacation periods because of the heavy volume of travelers on the highways, making it easier for offenders to disappear into traffic.
The situation places gas station employees in a difficult position. Although they are usually the first to realize they have been scammed, attempting to stop fleeing drivers can expose them to physical assault or other forms of retaliation.
Where in the State of Mexico Do These Thefts Occur Most Frequently?
Reports indicate that “fill up and drive off” incidents occur most often along the Mexico–Puebla Highway, particularly near the San Marcos and Chalco toll plazas.
However, the practice has also spread throughout the Toluca Valley, with reported cases in:
- Toluca
- Lerma
- Zinacantepec
These locations have become hotspots because they provide quick access to major highways and avenues, allowing offenders to escape within seconds.
Beyond the financial losses suffered by gas stations, attendants often face additional hardship, as some companies reportedly require employees to reimburse the cost of the stolen fuel out of their own pockets.
What Are Authorities Proposing to Stop This Crime?
In response to losses totaling thousands of pesos, lawmakers in the State of Mexico Congress have proposed classifying this type of fuel theft as an aggravated offense.
If approved, individuals convicted of this scam could face prison sentences of up to 10 years, depending on the circumstances and aggravating factors involved.
At the same time, the state’s fuel retail sector continues to face other challenges, including:
- Unjustified increases in fuel prices despite federal agreements aimed at standardizing prices.
- The continued practice of public transportation vehicles refueling while passengers remain on board, a prohibited activity that poses significant safety risks to both passengers and drivers.
The “fill up and drive off” scam directly affects the income of gas station workers. Authorities hope that the proposed legal reforms, along with increased police patrols in the affected areas, will help curb this recurring crime during vacation seasons.
Source: posta
