Police have charged 12 people over about 600 fuel thefts reported by forecourts in 2025, in Hemel, St Albans, Watford, Harpenden, Luton, Dunstable and Bedford.

Twelve people have been charged with fraud after around 600 fuel thefts from forecourts in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. Hertfordshire Constabulary gave the home address of eleven of them as Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead.

The force announced the charges on Thursday 24 September (Hertfordshire Constabulary).

What the police say happened

Fuel retailers reported the incidents during 2025. The force alleges that drivers filled their vehicles and then said they had no means to pay. They then gave false details and promised to come back and settle up.

Police also say that in some cases drivers simply drove off after filling up. Some are said to have used hidden tanks to carry more fuel.

The offences took place in seven towns:

  • Hemel Hempstead
  • St Albans
  • Watford
  • Harpenden
  • Luton
  • Dunstable
  • Bedford

The statement does not say how many of the 600 incidents were in Hemel Hempstead, and it does not name the forecourts.

Who has been charged

All twelve are charged with fraud by false representation. The force named them as follows:

  • Michael Nevin, 51, of Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead
  • Thomas Nevin, 41, of Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead
  • Francis Nevin, 37, of Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead
  • John Nevin, 33, of Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead
  • Brian Nevin, 31, of Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead
  • Martin Ward, 25, of Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead
  • William McDonagh, 42, of Whitfield, Brackley, Northamptonshire
  • Shane McDonagh, 32, of Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead
  • Patrick McDonagh, 25, of Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead
  • Michael McDonagh, 23, of Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead
  • Sean McDonagh, 19, of Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead
  • Patrick McDonagh, 19, of Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead

A charge is not a finding of guilt. Everyone named is entitled to a fair trial. The statement gives no court date. The force says “so far” twelve have been charged, so the investigation may not be finished.

The case was run by the force’s Public Order Crime Team. Detective Constable Chris Aherne 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.”

What it means for you

  • If you have dash cam footage of a drive-off at a forecourt in any of those towns, the police want it. DC Aherne said: “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.”
  • You can pass information on through Hertfordshire Constabulary’s online reporting or by calling 101. Call 999 if a crime is happening now.
  • If you run a forecourt, the force says it is working with retailers. The pattern it describes is a driver who fills up, says they cannot pay, and leaves false details.

For what the Dacorum neighbourhood teams are targeting this autumn, see our report on the new Dacorum policing priorities. If you are driving across town this week, our roadworks and travel page has every closure.

Sources