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Shoplifters? Government Clarifies Position
Catch a Thief UK News : 22 November 2025 In a report published on 21 November 2025, the UK Government has clarified the legal boundaries for Security Industry Authority (SIA)-licensed guards when it comes to using force against suspected shoplifters — as well as their rights around self-defence, detention, and response to armed threats. Image: Catch a Thief UK What the Request Asked A formal request was made to the SIA by a government body to outline: 1 . To what extent

Catch A Thief UK
Nov 22, 20254 min read


Sharp Rise in Retail Theft and Violence: Catch a Thief UK Speaks Out on BBC Radio Nottingham
Nottingham, 19 November 2025 Farrah McNutt, founder of Catch a Thief UK, appeared on BBC Radio Nottingham today with host Laurie Dyche, discussing the alarming rise in retail crime and violence across the United Kingdom. BBC Radio Nottingham Interview with Farrah McNutt During the interview, Farrah highlighted how violent incidents and thefts in petrol stations, convenience stores, and other retail outlets have sharply increased in recent years. She spoke candidly about her m

Catch A Thief UK
Nov 19, 20252 min read


Violent Shoplifter Who Pretended to Use a Wheelchair Jailed After Attacking Security Guard
Catch a Thief UK – Retail Crime & Safety News A 19-year-old man who pretended to be a wheelchair user to steal beer before violently attacking a security guard has been jailed following a series of dangerous and abusive offences across Kent. Imagine: Kent Police violent robber: Davey Brown Davey Brown, of Winch’s Garth, Staplehurst, was sentenced at Maidstone Crown Court to three years and one month in prison after pleading guilty to robbery, affray, criminal damage,

Catch A Thief UK
Nov 17, 20252 min read


Proposed Five-Year Prison Terms for Assaults on Retail Staff Gain Strong Backing from Catch a Thief UK
Retail and hospitality workers across the UK are set to receive long-promised protection under new Government proposals introducing a standalone criminal offence for assaulting shop workers with sentences of up to five years in prison. The measures come amid rapidly rising levels of retail crime, violence and abuse towards staff, and growing calls from the industry for meaningful action. Image: Catch a Thief UK The proposed offence forms part of the Government’s Crime and Pol

Catch A Thief UK
Nov 16, 20253 min read


Should the public be allowed to carry pepper spray? Are there legal alternatives!
An education feature for Catch a Thief UK by Farrah McNutt A petition currently circulating across the UK has been signed by thousands of people demanding the legal right for members of the public to carry incapacitant sprays (such as pepper spray) for their self‑defence, especially in light of rising knife‑crime and street violence. While the motive behind the petition is understandable, the legal reality remains more complex and simply carrying a spray may expose y

Catch A Thief UK
Nov 12, 20255 min read


How Police Tracked and Arrested Train Stabbing Suspect Anthony Williams
Catch a Thief UK News Huntingdon , Cambridgeshire – Monday 3 November 2025 Police have released further details following the dramatic arrest of 32-year-old Anthony Williams, from Peterborough, who was detained at Huntingdon railway station after a mass stabbing aboard the 6:25 pm LNER service from Doncaster to London King’s Cross on Saturday evening. How Police Tracked and Arrested Train Stabbing Suspect Anthony Williams Catch a Thief UK News has obtained exclusive foo

Catch A Thief UK
Nov 3, 20253 min read


Headline: Surge in visible security on UK rail after major train stabbing; public vigilance campaign relaunched
Catch a Thief UK News – Updated Rail Security Briefing Date: Monday, 3 November 2025 By: Catch a Thief UK News Desk A serious incident aboard a train on the British Transport Police‑patrolled network has prompted a fresh security push — coupled with the relaunch of the long‑running public awareness campaign to make passengers part of the safety net. Incident summary On Saturday evening (1 November 2025), a mass stabbing took place on a London‑bound train operated by London N

Catch A Thief UK
Nov 3, 20254 min read


Major National Alert as 'Quishing' Scam Hits Parking Machines-£Thousands at Risk
A growing scam involving fake QR codes pasted on parking machines is sweeping across the UK – with the public urged to act fast or risk losing money and personal information. Image: Catch a Thief UK According to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ), nearly one in every three local authorities that responded to an inquiry have reported their car parks being targeted by “quishing” fraud – where QR codes direct users to fake websites that harvest card details. Here in L

Catch A Thief UK
Oct 31, 20254 min read


Catch a Thief UK News: UK Europe USA Australia Hit by Widespread Smash-and- Grab Crime Wave Targeting Retail, Homes, and the Public
Story By Catch a Thief UK Investigations Team Farrah McNutt, CEO of Catch a Thief UK, has issued a public safety advisory following a sharp rise in smash-and-grab robberies and related crimes across the UK, USA, and Europe. These crimes increasingly target jewelry stores, retail outlets, homes, and members of the public in public spaces, often involving organized groups using vehicles, weapons, and fast getaways. Image: Catch a Thief UK “The threat is no longer limite

Catch A Thief UK
Oct 26, 20253 min read


Operation Machinize: How UK Police Are Dismantling the Hidden Economy of the High Street
By the Catch a Thief UK Investigations Team Published : October 21 , 2025 A nationwide crackdown reveals a darker side to Britain’s barber poles and vape clouds. Image: Catch a Thief UK It looked like any other week on Britain’s high streets — clippers buzzing, car washes steaming, and corner shops trading briskly. But behind those open doors, law-enforcement agencies were preparing one of the largest multi-agency crackdowns in recent memory. Operation Machinize, coor

Catch A Thief UK
Oct 21, 20254 min read


Essex Police Arrest Over 2,800 Shoplifters in Two Years as Retail Crime Crackdown Intensifies
Essex Police have made more than 2,800 arrests for shop theft across the county in the past two years, sending a strong message to...

Catch A Thief UK
Sep 19, 20252 min read


"See It. Say It. Sorted." Campaign Relaunches Across UK Rail Network
The familiar security message “See it. Say it. Sorted.” is once again front and centre across Britain’s railways following a refreshed...

Catch A Thief UK
Sep 16, 20252 min read


Retail Crime and Violence in the UK: A Growing Threat to Shops, Staff and Communities
Retail crime in the UK has reached alarming levels. Shoplifting and violence against retail staff have surged to record highs,...

Catch A Thief UK
Aug 26, 20253 min read


Torpoint Co-op Tragedy: Man Dies After Being Restrained During Shop Attack
A disturbance at a Co-op store in Cornwall has ended in tragedy after a man died following a violent incident involving staff, customers,...

Catch A Thief UK
Aug 12, 20252 min read


UK Shoplifting Epidemic: Three Thefts a Minute Our High Streets Under Siege
Retail Security in Crisis: UK Shoplifting Hits Record Highs UK – Shoplifting in Britain has reached its highest levels since records...

Catch A Thief UK
Aug 11, 20252 min read


Persistent Bath Shoplifter Jailed as Authorities Highlight Toll of Retail Crime on Local Businesses
Persistent Bath Shoplifter Jailed as Authorities Highlight Toll of Retail Crime on Local Businesses Bath, UK – A woman has been jailed...

Catch A Thief UK
Aug 5, 20252 min read


Prolific Shoplifter Banned from All BP and Shell Garages in Essex for Five Years
Prolific Shoplifter Banned from All BP and Shell Garages in Essex for Five Years A serial shoplifter has been jailed and handed a...

Catch A Thief UK
Aug 2, 20252 min read


Neighbourhood Officers Crack Down on Shoplifting with Over 3,600 Arrests in 12 Months
Greater Manchester Police have made more than 3,600 arrests for shoplifting in a landmark year of enforcement and prevention. Image:...

Catch A Thief UK
Jun 26, 20252 min read


Birmingham Police lssue Public Appeal After Assault and Theft at Family-Run Retailer
Can you help us identify these two? We are urgently seeking your assistance to identify two individuals following a troubling...

Catch A Thief UK
Jun 4, 20252 min read


Nottingham Easter Egg Thief Jailed Amid Growing Concerns Over Retail Crime Crisis
Nottingham, UK – 28 March 2025 A man who smashed his way through shop doors to steal £100 worth of Easter eggs has been jailed, as...

Catch A Thief UK
Apr 14, 20252 min read
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