Service station chains are being urged to prevent customer drive-offs

Mobil has been criticised after a south Auckland station's been found to be employees pay for fuel stolen by customers.

Mobil Porchester Road and its co-owner had to pay fines of more than 23-thousand dollars for the practice, and other breaches of employment laws.

E tu spokesman Phil Knight says putting a front line worker at risk is unacceptable.

He says it's the employer's responsibility to take constructive steps to make sure the worker and the business is safe.