Man charged over alleged fuel drive-offs across Lismore and Ballina

A man has been charged after allegedly driving away from multiple service stations without paying for fuel across the Northern Rivers.

Officers attached to Richmond Police District began investigating in February after reports a driver left a South Lismore service station without paying.

The alleged offences occurred between February 1 and April 13 across Lismore, South Lismore and West Ballina.

Police will allege the 29-year-old man refuelled a silver SUV on 15 occasions across six service stations during that period.

More than $2,000 worth of fuel was allegedly taken, including 10 incidents at the same South Lismore service station.

It will also be alleged the man used stolen registration plates on some occasions.

Officers arrested the man about 7.20pm on April 17 on Dibbs Street, Coraki.

He was taken to Lismore Police Station and charged with 15 counts of dishonestly obtain property by deception and two counts of unlawfully possess number plates.

He was granted conditional bail to appear at Lismore Local Court on May 18.

Fuel drive-offs have been increasing across Australia, with rising petrol prices linked to global supply pressures following conflict in the Middle East.

In NSW, recorded “fail-to-pay” incidents have risen over the past decade, increasing from about 9,000 in 2016 to more than 13,000 in 2025 after peaking the year prior.

Industry figures reported by AAP show fuel theft has increased nationwide in recent months, with incidents rising by up to 30 per cent and costing the industry about $80 million each year.

Richmond Police District commander superintendent David Roptell said fuel theft remained a serious offence.

“The message from police to the offenders is clear. Fuel theft is a serious offence, and police will arrest those not paying for what they get and bring them before the court to face the consequences.”