Catch a Thief UK and Pay My Fuel: Protecting Petrol Stations Retailers and Local Communities Across the United Kingdom
- Catch A Thief UK
- Oct 13
- 3 min read
Catch a Thief UK and Pay My Fuel: Protecting Petrol Stations and Local Communities
At Catch a Thief UK, we’re proud to be at the forefront of protecting hundreds of family-run petrol stations and local businesses throughout the United Kingdom. In partnership with Pay My Fuel.com, we have helped numerous forecourt operators — including industry leaders like The Motor Fuel Group (MFG) and Morrisons petrol stations — detect, prevent, and recover losses from fuel theft and drive-offs.
Our Mission and Partnership
Fuel theft and unpaid fuel incidents are a growing concern across the UK. We specialise in tackling these challenges head-on, combining cutting-edge technology with community-driven vigilance. Through our collaboration with Pay My Fuel.com, we have created a seamless system to identify offenders and recover lost revenue.
Our approach includes:
Tracking suspected theft by analysing patterns and collecting critical evidence such as still images, CCTV footage, receipts, and number plates.
Conducting DVLA checks to verify vehicle ownership and detect cloned or stolen number plates, including so-called “ghost plates.”
Reporting suspected criminal activity directly to local police forces.
Maintaining a secure, encrypted database storing every incident to support ongoing investigations and civil recovery claims.
Thanks to this dedicated effort, we have successfully recovered thousands of pounds for our valued members and continue to safeguard their livelihoods.
The Impact on Our Community and Local Businesses
The rise in fuel theft is just part of a broader surge in retail-related crime and violence that threatens small businesses and their communities. Recent UK Home Office statistics for 2024/25 reveal:
A 12% increase in shoplifting offences across the UK.
A 9% rise in violent crimes within commercial premises.
Shoplifting alone accounts for 20 million incidents annually, contributing to £2.2 billion in retail losses each year.
Over 2,000 incidents of violence against workers happen daily.
These troubling trends place significant strain on family-run petrol stations and local shops, many of which operate on thin margins.
Supporting Our Local Businesses: More Than Just Crime Prevention
At Catch a Thief UK, we understand that protecting local businesses goes beyond theft prevention. That’s why we engage in community initiatives that promote safety, well-being, and resilience:
Restoring a historic red British telephone box in Rubery, Birmingham, now equipped with an Emergency Bleed Control Kit for vital first aid during emergencies.
Raising funds to produce and distribute safety handbooks aimed at junior schools, empowering young people with essential knowledge.
Donating food and essentials to homeless organisations to support vulnerable community members.
Providing resources and advice on critical social issues like mental health, drug addiction, and homelessness (details available on our website).
Our latest initiative saw the installation of two Lifebuoys and an Emergency Bleed Control Kit at the River Nene, Henry Pen Walk, Peterborough, enhancing public safety by the water.
Join Us in Protecting Our Community
Our work is ongoing, and we invite petrol station owners, retailers, and forecourt operators across the UK to partner with us in this vital mission. Together with Pay My Fuel.com, we provide the tools, expertise, and support needed to reduce crime, recover losses, and build safer communities.
If you own or manage a petrol station or forecourt, retail outlet, please get in touch via this website or contact Pay My Fuel’s support team to learn how you can benefit from our services.
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