12 people charged over alleged fuel theft at petrol stations in Bedford, Luton and Dunstable

Hertfordshire Constabulary confirmed they had been charged in connection with 600 instances of fuel thefts.

According to the police force’s data in 2025 around 600 instances of people filling up their cars at petrol stations and not paying were reported.

Officers say that the suspects would top up their vehicles with fuel and then claim they had no means of paying for it.

Similar incidents were reported in Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire, with witnesses reporting that the suspects would give false details to staff and promised they would return to pay.

In some instances, it was reported that drivers simply drove away after filling their vehicles and even used hidden tanks to maximise the amount of fuel they could carry, Hertfordshire Constabulary revealed.

The 12 people charged with fraud by false representation are:

· Michael Nevin, aged 51, Three Cherry Trees, Lane, Hemel Hempstead

· Thomas Nevin, aged 41, of Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead

· Francis Nevin, aged 37, Three Cherry Trees, Lane, Hemel Hempstead

· John Nevin, aged 33, Three Cherry Trees, Lane, Hemel Hempstead

· Brian Nevin, aged 31, of Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead

· Martin Ward, aged 25, Three Cherry Trees, Lane, Hemel Hempstead

· William McDonagh, aged 42, Whitfield, Brackley, Northamptonshire

· Shane McDonagh, aged 32, Three Cherry Trees, Lane, Hemel Hempstead

· Patrick McDonagh, aged 25, Three Cherry Trees, Lane, Hemel Hempstead

· Michael McDonagh, aged 23, Three Cherry Trees, Lane, Hemel Hempstead

· Sean McDonagh, aged 19, Three Cherry Trees, Lane, Hemel Hempstead

· Patrick McDonagh, aged 19, Three Cherry Trees, Lane, Hemel Hempstead.

Detective Constable Chris Aherne, who is investigating, said: “Fuel theft is a serious crime that has a detrimental effect on local businesses and the wider economy. We are working with local retailers and will continue to take the strongest action against those involved in these types of offences.

“We rely on information from retailers and the public to help us combat these types of crimes. If you have any information that can assist our investigations please get in touch, especially if you have dash cam footage of offences taking place.”

Anyone with information on fuel theft can report it online or via its web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form at crimestoppers-uk.org.