THE soaring price of petrol is being partly blamed for an upsurge in motorists driving off without paying.

In a bid to crack down on the problem, Cleveland police are pioneering a name and shame scheme for drivers.

Those who speed off without paying for fuel could find their pictures plastered all over garage forecourts.

For the first time in 200 years, wanted posters will be going up on the roadsides to track down the modern-day highwaymen.

In a revolutionary move launched on Wednesday, Cleveland is thought to be the first force to step back in time to combat a problem which is plaguing filling stations.

Recent rises in the price of petrol have seen an increase in the so-called drive-offs.

Now the faces of those committing the crimes and caught on CCTV cameras will be displayed on blown-up posters in all stations in the Stockton area under Operation Prime.

Mr Colin Fullerton, a spokesman for garage chain the Roadside Group, said: "Petrol is now a very expensive commodity and has become a target for thieves.

"This type of crime is often a low priority but it adds up to millions of pounds a year. Now, thanks to police in Stockton, it is getting the attention it deserves."

Stockton crime prevention officer Sgt Dave Shadforth said: "Filling stations are easy targets, especially at night when attendants are confined to kiosks. All too often they are prey to these modern day highwaymen.

"It really is a stand and deliver policy. They stand by their car, deliver the petrol and drive off.

"But they are in for a shock. The wanted posters will be displayed in prominent positions on forecourts. It will certainly make these people think twice."

After Operation Prime's launch at a Wolviston garage, a conference on the problem was held yesterday at Durham university's Stockton campus.

Forecourt Watch was attended by major oil companies, police officers and Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP, Dr Ashok Kumar.

Dr Kumar said the government recognised the rising cost of petrol, but tax was put back into the country through spending on schools and the health service.

He acknowledged that spiralling prices were causing problems in rural parts of his constituency, especially East Cleveland.

"I realise people use a lot of petrol to get to work and that it is a big chunk from their wages," he said, "but they must remember the price of oil has gone up in the last 18 months so some responsibility must lie at the oil companies' door, but they are strangely silent on the subject."

Dr Kumar said a spending review was due later this month.

"We will just have to wait and see what the Chancellor has to say," he said.