Car-Share Firms Remove Fuel Cards After Spate of Thefts in Melbourne

Australia's two biggest car-share companies, GoGet and Flexicar, have removed fuel cards from their Melbourne vehicles after a spate of break-ins and thefts. A senior GoGet executive described the incidents as "one of the dumbest crimes ever."

The change will force users of share cars to pay for fuel themselves before seeking reimbursement, leaving them temporarily out of pocket amid record-high fuel prices caused by the US-Israel war on Iran. Users will need to pay for fuel upfront and then submit claims for reimbursement.

The move comes as car-share firms attempt to curb the thefts, which have become a growing problem in Melbourne. Criminals have been targeting the fuel cards, which allow users to fill up the vehicles without paying. GoGet and Flexicar hope the change will deter future thefts and protect their customers from being left out of pocket.