WA anti-fuel-theft technology company, Scancam, has recovered $4,500 in bad debts for one of its fuel-station clients.
Scancam cofounder Eoin Byrne says the company was delighted to present a cheque for $4,500 to the Sanzone Retail Group, as “it proves our debt-recovery system works”.
“Theft from Australian fuel stations is a big issue for owners,” he said. “It is estimated to cost about $60 million per year, but that number could be as high as $100 million, as many fuel thefts go unreported.
“Our technology is now a proven deterrent to fuel theft, as well as a conduit for recovering debt, and we expect more fuel stations to incorporate Scancam technology into their Australian and global operations.”
Scancam technology is claimed to prevent drive-offs and protect profits. It uses advanced licence-plate recognition technology, 24 hours a day, to alert petrol-station staff to potential fuel thieves in seconds and take high-quality video footage of offenders.
It also incorporates a debt-recovery facility to pursue offenders and collects unpaid fuel. Payments are put directly into fuel-station owners’ bank accounts.
Len Sanzone of the Sanzone Retail Group says Scancam’s ability to collect bad debts is a game changer.
“Yes, the cheque is appreciated, but the facility is also valuable because it deters would-be fuel thieves,” he said.
“The cost savings of the technology to our business are way beyond the $4,500 Scancam initially collated on our behalf.
“I love the way Scancam immediately alerts our console staff to repeat and known offenders so that the dispenser isn’t authorised.
“While it is hard to put an exact figure on the savings, the system has resulted in significantly deterring fuel theft from our premises.”
The Sanzone Retail Group runs seven Perth metro fuel stations: BP Balcatta, BP Greenwood, BP Mullaloo, BP Beldon, BP Beeliar, BP Henley Brook and BP Mindarie.
Mr Sanzone says the technology has made his management role, supervising the group of stations, more efficient. Each morning, he receives Scancam reports and video footage detailing events from the previous day at all seven stations.
“Thanks to Scancam, we no longer just write off fuel theft – there is a way to recover that debt,” he said.
