Fuel theft couple caught after locals help track them down

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Fuel theft couple caught after locals help track them down5 hours ago Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleEleri GriffithsBBC WalesJudith TroughtonGarage owner Judith Troughton has thanked people in Gwynedd who were able to help catch fuel thieves After being hit by three fuel thefts in six weeks, local people helped a garage owner track down thieves after she put an appeal on Facebook. The offending couple were staying in the coastal town of Porthmadog, Gwynedd, and they were spotted in a pub, before residents were able to follow their van to a beach the next day, and keep an eye on them until police arrived. Judith Troughton, 68, who runs the Prysor Service Station near Trawsfynydd said because of rising fuel prices caused by the Ukraine and Iran wars, it is becoming increasingly difficult to make a living.

North Wales Police described "no-pay incidents" as having a big impact, and the force has put in measures, such as signs on forecourts, and training for staff to recognise criminal behaviour. Fuel thefts have surged by 62% across the UK compared to a year ago, according to figures - with one forecourt owner saying drive-offs are costing him £2,000 a week across his five sites. "They put fuel in one of them and then they both drove away," Judith said of the couple, who arrived at her forecourt in two vans.

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In total, they took £130 worth of fuel, after the woman got out of the one van to fill up the other. Getty ImagesThe seaside town of Porthmadog has a close-knit community, and locals were able to monitor thieves until police caught up with themThe theft happened in April, and after Judith put an appeal on Facebook with images of the vehicles, locals spotted them outside a pub. But the couple had left by the time police arrived.

However, eagle-eyed locals weren't going to be deterred, and spotted them again the next day on a nearby beach. Judith explained how they kept an eye on them until the police arrived, and after officers spoke to them, the couple admitted their guilt and later paid up. "The power of Facebook is wonderful," Judith added.

"We've got quite a supportive local community around here and, as soon as the word gets out, people are helpful. "But it's not the only time her business, which she has run for 10 years, has been targeted. Judith TroughtonOne of the thieves was a women in her pyjamas, with police investigating a number of incidents linked to her A second case involved a woman in her pyjamas linked to multiple thefts, who is now under investigation.

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The third came last week, with the man responsible caught by traffic police after breaking down. He later visited the garage to settle up, telling Judith he was "desperate" and had borrowed money to belatedly pay her. "He was absolutely mortified," she added.

This brought home to Judith the reason some struggling people resort to thefts, and said her business is trying to do what it can to help.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.