The prison capacity crisis, the cost to taxpayers and the question of why Britain is not making better use of the prisons it already has...

Part 4 of 12 | Catch a Thief UK National Justice Investigation Electronic monitoring is playing an increasingly important role in criminal justice. But a new independent inspection has identified serious weaknesses in how monitoring information is shared, how alleged breaches are handled and how effectively the technology is integrated into probation supervision. Image: Catch a Thief UK When someone is fitted with an electronic tag, what assurance does that provide to the pub

For many people leaving custody, the next stage involves supervision in the community by the Probation Service. Its responsibilities can include monitoring compliance with licence conditions, assessing risks, supporting rehabilitation and taking action when someone’s behaviour raises concerns...

CATCH A THIEF UK | NATIONAL NEWS INVESTIGATION Thousands of licence recalls are recorded across England and Wales each quarter. As the Government introduces a new early-release model, questions remain over electronic tagging, probation capacity, public protection and the information available to measure the policy's success. Investigation 2 of 12 | 17 October 2026 Image: Catch a Thief UK News The question Britain deserves answered When a prisoner is released early, what happe

The Government is changing when eligible prisoners can leave custody as England and Wales face continuing pressure on prison capacity. But how much space will the policy really create, what are the alternatives, and how will Britain know whether it is working? Catch a Thief UK | Investigation 1 of 12 15 October 2026 Image: Catch a Thief UK The facts behind the headlines The early release of prisoners is one of the most consequential criminal justice policy decisions facing En

CATCH A THIEF UK NATIONAL NEWS INVESTIGATION As thousands of additional releases are projected, questions are mounting over electronic tagging, probation workloads, accommodation, victims’ rights and how success will be measured. Catch a Thief UK examines the facts, the concerns and the questions the public deserves answered. Published: 14 October 2026 Image: Catch a Thief UK News Introduction: a policy with consequences beyond prison walls The early release of prisoners has

Shoplifting in Britain: The scale of the problem, the impact on businesses and how retailers can fight back Published by Catch a Thief UK INTRODUCTION: THE GROWING CHALLENGE OF RETAIL CRIME Shoplifting continues to affect retailers, employees, customers and communities across Britain. Image: Catch a Thief UK From independent convenience stores and family-run businesses to major supermarkets and shopping centres, retailers face ongoing challenges from theft, abuse, intimidatio

STOLEN NUMBER PLATES: WHAT UK DRIVERS MUST DO TO PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM CRIMINALS How to report stolen registration plates, protect yourself from fraudulent fines and police stops, and how ANPR technology is helping petrol stations tackle fuel theft across the United Kingdom. Image: Catch a Thief UK The theft of vehicle registration plates is a serious concern for motorists across the United Kingdom. Criminals can use stolen number plates, or cloned registration numbers, to

SPECIAL REPORT | NATIONAL SECURITY Catch a Thief UK National Security News Special Report | 4 September 2026 UK prepares to test how government and the wider public sector would respond to hybrid attacks, while classified “War Books” are rewritten for the first time since 2004 Britain is preparing for what the Government describes as the largest UK home defence exercise in several decades, with ministers and hundreds of officials from across government and the public sector e

By Catch a Thief UK News A widely shared warning claims fraudsters are going door-to-door posing as government officials. While there is no evidence of the alleged census burglary operation, the UK Government confirms that criminals do impersonate Home Office officials. Image: Catch a Thief UK A warning circulating across social media is urging members of the public to be vigilant after claims that fraudsters are visiting homes while pretending to be “Home Affairs Officers”.

Catch a Thief UK News Andy Burnham backs new powers that could use geographical restrictions to keep released offenders away from victims. Image: Catch a Thief UK England could introduce new “restriction zones” designed to prevent certain serious offenders from entering specific geographical areas after they are released from prison. The proposals, backed by Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, form part of a wider Government overhaul of the prison and probation system and

By Catch a Thief UK News The Metropolitan Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of a man who was seriously assaulted inside a shop in East Finchley, north London. Image: Catch a Thief UK The victim has been named as Paul Heyfron, 53, of East Finchley, who died in hospital on Sunday, 12 July 2026, almost two weeks after the alleged assault. Police were first called by the London Ambulance Service at 10:06 pm on Monday, 30 June, after reports that a ma

By Catch a Thief UK News Digital identification is moving steadily from government services into everyday life, with new rules expected to allow customers in England and Wales to prove their age electronically when purchasing age-restricted products such as alcohol. Image: Catch a Thief UK The changes, announced by the UK Government, are expected to come into effect during autumn 2026 and form part of a wider programme to modernise how people verify their identity online and

By Catch a Thief UK News – Investigations Desk Across the United Kingdom, a quiet but significant transformation of public-space surveillance is underway. From smart lampposts fitted with CCTV and speakers, to AI-assisted monitoring systems and live facial recognition trials, local authorities and police forces are increasingly adopting technologies designed to detect, deter, and respond to crime in real time. Image: Catch a Thief UK While supporters argue these systems impro

By Catch a Thief UK News Train passengers across the UK are increasingly encountering dedicated security personnel at railway stations as operators step up efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour, fare evasion, violence, and public safety concerns. Image: Catch a Thief UK News The move has become particularly visible at major transport hubs, including Nottingham Station, where East Midlands Railway (EMR) has introduced additional security measures and access controls in respo

Catch a Thief UK News | Investigations Desk A new £30 million government-backed crackdown has been launched to target organised crime gangs allegedly using everyday hiA new £30 million government-backed crackdown has been launched to target organised crime gangs allegedly using everyday higgh street businesses as fronts for illegal activity across the United Kingdom. Image: Catch a Thief UK News The initiative comes after a major BBC investigation exposed how seemingly legiti

Catch a Thief UK News Government Plans Spark National Debate Over Accountability, Crime Prevention and Family Responsibility Image: Catch a Thief UK News The UK Government has unveiled a major new Youth Justice White Paper aimed at tackling rising youth offending, repeat criminal behaviour and gang exploitation across Britain. The proposals, announced as part of a wider justice reform package, could dramatically reshape how young offenders and their parents are dealt with in

Catch a Thief UK News | SPECIAL REPORT Retail theft and abuse against shopworkers has become one of the fastest-growing crime problems facing the United Kingdom. What was once viewed as opportunistic shoplifting has now evolved into a far wider issue involving organised criminal gangs, repeat offenders, fuel theft, violent abuse, intimidation and daily attacks on frontline retail staff. Image: Catch a Thief UK News Across Britain, retailers are warning that the situation is n

Catch a Thief UK | SPECIAL REPORT The UK government is preparing one of its most extensive packages of crime and policing reforms in recent years, bringing forward over 70 measures aimed at tackling antisocial behaviour, retail theft, and repeat offending across towns and cities. Image: Catch a Thief UK News At the centre of the reforms is a clear focus: protecting retail workers, strengthening high street safety, and giving police faster, more effective tools to deal with pe

Catch a Thief UK Derby Armed police were deployed to the Derbion shopping centre in Derby on Tuesday afternoon following reports that a group of teenagers had been spotted with a gun. Image: Catch a Thief UK Derbyshire Police confirmed officers responded promptly after the sighting, with armed units securing the area and ensuring the safety of shoppers. “Officers attended the Derbion shopping centre earlier today after reports of a group of teenagers seen with a firearm,” sai