Fuel thieves caught after local sleuths track them to pub and beach

After being targeted by three fuel thefts within six weeks, a garage owner in Porthmadog, Gwynedd, was able to recover stolen fuel thanks to the help of the local community. The incident began when Judith Troughton, 68, who runs the Prysor Service Station near Trawsfynydd, posted an appeal on Facebook after her business was hit. The thieves, a couple staying in the coastal town, were first spotted in a pub, and residents followed them to a beach the next day, keeping watch until police arrived.

Judith explained that rising fuel prices, driven by conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, have made it increasingly difficult for small businesses like hers to stay afloat. "It's becoming harder to make a living," she said. North Wales Police has described "no-pay incidents" as having a significant impact on businesses, and they've implemented measures such as signs on forecourts and staff training to recognize criminal behavior.

Fuel thefts have surged by 62% across the UK compared to a year ago, according to reports. One forecourt owner revealed that drive-offs are costing him £2,000 a week across his five sites. Judith recounted how the couple, who arrived at her station in two vans, filled one with fuel and then both drove away. In total, they took £130 worth of fuel, with the woman getting out of one van to fill up the other.

The theft occurred in April, and after Judith shared images of the vehicles on Facebook, locals managed to spot them outside a pub. However, the couple had already left by the time the police arrived. Undeterred, residents found them again the next day on a nearby beach. Judith described how they kept an eye on the couple until the police arrived. After speaking with them, the thieves admitted their guilt and later paid back the amount they owed.

"The power of Facebook is wonderful," Judith said. "We have a very supportive local community here, and as soon as the word gets out, people are helpful."

But this wasn't the first time her business had been targeted. A second case involved a woman in her pyjamas linked to multiple thefts, who is now under investigation. A third incident last week saw a man caught by traffic police after his car broke down. He later visited the garage to settle up, explaining he was "desperate" and had borrowed money to pay her.

"He was absolutely mortified," she added. This experience highlighted the reasons some struggling individuals turn to theft, and Judith emphasized that her business is doing what it can to support those in need. However, repeated thefts are taking a toll. "Think of the small businesses because it'll be us that are going to go under if anybody does," she said. "I'd just remind them that it's tough for everybody, not just them. If everybody did that, then we'd soon go broke."

Why are fuel thefts increasing?

Motorists in the UK have faced higher fuel costs since the US-Israel conflict with Iran began. Prices surged when the conflict started on 28 February, with oil production and transportation across the Middle East slowing or stopping due to missile strikes and drone attacks. The RAC has warned that pump prices could continue to rise if the conflict isn't resolved.

The cost of filling a typical family car with petrol increased by around £14, while a tank of diesel became £27 more expensive. These increases come alongside other household pressures, such as inflation affecting mortgages, rent, and food prices.

Another garage, the Rhydymwyn Service Station in Mold, Flintshire, was also targeted about six weeks ago. Owner Gemma Newell described how a passenger filled up with around £50 worth of fuel at a pump far from staff, concealed their face with a hood, and then drove off in a car with fake number plates. Staff noticed the theft almost immediately, but CCTV footage couldn’t identify the vehicle due to tampered registration plates.

Gemma called it "devastating," saying it felt like "hard-earned cash" being taken directly from the business. She described the past eight weeks as "turbulent," with diesel prices shifting by about 18p a litre. "Once you add VAT and mark-up on top, I can't suddenly put 25p on the totem pole [displaying prices] from one morning to the next evening."

Gemma also addressed the misconception that garages profit significantly from fuel sales. "When someone comes in and spends £70 on fuel, people think we're making £70, but after all the costs... it's nothing," she said. "It's not the high volume of money that people think you're making on it. So I think that's the difficulty."

What are police doing about fuel thefts?

Fuel theft continues to "place a significant and unacceptable strain on fuel retailers, impacting businesses financially and placing additional demand on policing resources," according to Supt Lisa Maslen of the National Business Crime Centre. She explained that police forces take a proactive approach to tackling the issue, working to identify offenders, disrupt repeat behavior, and ensure those responsible are held accountable.

To do so, forces are boosting collaboration with fuel retailers and cost recovery agencies. A UK government spokesperson stated, "Fuel theft undermines businesses and their workers. These thieves must face the full force of the law."

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