One of Oxford's busiest petrol stations was closed for more than an hour on Sunday after the fire service was called to a car leaking fuel on the forecourt.
Motorists had to be turned away from the BP garage at Wolvercote roundabout, Oxford, after pumps were shut off because of the potential fire risk.
The Peugeot 106 started to leak fuel shortly after 1pm. A fire crew stopped the leak and made the scene safe.
The driver of the car, Oxford Mail deputy news editor Phil Norris, said: "The AA said the car was leaking fuel because someone had syphoned off the petrol by piercing a fuel pipe.
"It was quite embarrassing seeing the whole forecourt closed off and drivers turned away. I was also angry when I realised thieves had syphoned off the petrol without caring about the potential danger."
The garage re-opened around an hour later and the Peugeot was towed away by Carterton-based Philserve on behalf of the AA.
A member of BP staff said they were trained to deal with fuel leaks and always call the fire service if the leak is serious.
A fire and rescue spokesman said: "One crew attended and stopped the spillage of petrol from the car using a grab pack and absorbent granules. The AA came and towed the car away."
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