THE supermarket giants with petrol stations in Tamworth failed to show up for a local fraud summit despite being some of the prime spots for offending.
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Police have hailed the inaugural fraud summit, held in Tamworth on Monday, as a success with several petrol station operators involved.
The meeting was organised by police in a bid to drive down rising rates of fraud offending.
"We have shown these businesses today a number of strategies they can use to prevent criminal activity, to make it harder for criminals to walk in tap and go, and get away with goods," Detective Acting Inspector Jason Darcy told the Leader.
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"Fraud is becoming a major issue and we're trying to prevent it, but it's something that has to be done in partnership with businesses and they need to have methods of deterrence like good CCTV, not serving those who cannot be identified and questioning suspicious people who make multiple transactions under $100 in quick succession."
Last month, the Leader revealed service stations, particularly some in the South Tamworth area, were some of the worst spots for where fraud occurred.
Detective Darcy said it was "unfortunate" that some of the target audience didn't turn up.
"Some of the supermarket chains weren't represented and they've been identified as repeat locations for this type of offending," he said.
"Police are trying to work with the community to prevent and deter this type of offending and it's difficult when those operators won't assist."
Fraud rates have spiked dramatically in recent years due to the ease of payWave or tap-and-go technology, allowing thieves to buy goods in multiple transactions under $100 without needing to sign, enter a pin or show any ID.
"There are members of the communities who've had their credit cards stolen and used at these locations; their cars have been used in fraudulent activities, and if these organisations aren't willing to assist in deterring that type of activity, then it's difficult to stop more people from falling victim," Detective Darcy said.
"We're trying to work with these operators to stop them from allowing people to walk in with hoodies on, and big glasses, and caps and other disguises that makes identification difficult.
"We've seen success with the local liquor accord in dealing with their issues, as well as rural crime watch, and what we are trying to do is work with these operators to drive down fraud and associated offending."
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
