Sharp Rise in Retail Theft and Violence: Catch a Thief UK Speaks Out on BBC Radio Nottingham
- Catch A Thief UK
- Nov 19
- 2 min read
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.
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 motivation for founding Catch a Thief UK nine years ago, driven by a desire to support retailers in protecting their staff, property, and customers.
Safe, Responsible Action for Retailers
Farrah advised retailers on how to approach suspected thieves safely, emphasising that direct confrontation should be avoided. “Retailers should never engage with a thief,” she said. “Report all incidents, ensure clear CCTV is retained, and allow the authorities to handle it.”
Acknowledging that police response times can sometimes appear slow, Farrah reassured retailers that action does happen behind the scenes. “It may seem like nothing is being done, but when CCTV evidence is clear and correctly retained, the police will take action,” she explained.
Bridging the Gap Between Retailers and Police
Catch a Thief UK has become a vital link between retailers and law enforcement, helping businesses capture and present evidence correctly. Farrah highlighted the organisation’s ability to match suspects to multiple incidents, ensuring patterns of criminal behaviour are identified and investigated.
The organisation has also formed a strategic partnership with Pay My Fuel, utilising a cyber-secure platform to detect and prevent fuel theft. Evidence can be quickly uploaded and securely stored, safeguarding records against tampering or loss.
Government Concerns Over Slow Justice
Farrah also touched on wider systemic issues, referencing concerns expressed by government and legal bodies that “slow justice is no justice.” With court backlogs and delays affecting both civil and criminal cases, timely police action and properly retained evidence are more important than ever. Catch a Thief UK plays a key role in helping retailers provide high-quality, admissible evidence to support prosecutions.
Looking Forward
Farrah concluded by encouraging retailers to remain vigilant, proactive, and informed. “The rise in retail crime is real, but with the right approach, evidence, and partnerships, we can protect our businesses, staff, and communities,” she said.
Catch a Thief UK continues to lead efforts in crime prevention, evidence collection, and police collaboration, ensuring that offenders are brought to justice and that retail environments remain safer for everyone.
