D.C Edginton & Sons, a family-run petrol station on Alcester Road in Studley, Warwickshire, has thanked the local community after two motorists who drove off without paying returned to settle their debts. The incidents occurred on Monday, July 13, and Wednesday, July 15, prompting the business to post CCTV images on Facebook in an effort to identify the culprits.
Community rally leads to repayment
Within days, both individuals paid back a total of £80. A spokesman for D.C Edginton & Sons praised the Studley community for their swift help. "With Studley and even Redditch, everyone seems to know everyone. We sent out a CCTV post and people recognised the faces of those responsible," they told BirminghamLive.
"One came back and paid in-person while another had his friend visit to pay us. It was about £80 which was owed. We're a small independent garage and it's the principle. We can't suffer losses like that."
Warning to potential thieves
The petrol station, which has operated since 1997, used the social media post to send a clear message. "Don't come here because you will be put on social media and everyone will know about it," the spokesman added. "I know times are tough for people, but we're being hit by the credit crunch too so this came across like a double whammy."
The business encouraged other independent garages to take similar action. "At the end of the day, I hope other independents do what we did and their customers can help them out."
