According to new figures from industry experts in the United Kingdom, rising petrol prices have led to an increase in fuel thefts from petrol stations.

Petrol prices hit record highs last week, with the cost of filling a typical family car in the UK passing £100.

Forecourt Eye, which works with 1,000 garages in the UK, said there was a 39% increase in non-payments since January.

These included motorists driving off without paying or claiming to have forgotten their wallet.