A garage owner in Gwynedd has thanked local residents for helping track down a couple who stole £130 worth of fuel from her forecourt. After three thefts in six weeks, Judith Troughton posted images of the suspects' vehicles on Facebook. Community members later spotted the couple in Porthmadog, followed them to a nearby beach, and alerted police, who confronted them. The pair admitted the theft and repaid the money.

Troughton said rising fuel prices linked to conflicts in Ukraine and Iran have made it increasingly difficult for small businesses to survive. She warned that repeated thefts could force independent garages to close, urging people to consider the impact on local firms already struggling with narrow profit margins.

Fuel thefts have risen sharply across the country over the past year, placing financial strain on retailers and increasing pressure on police. Other garage owners in north Wales report similar incidents, describing losses as devastating amid volatile wholesale prices and rising household costs. Police say they are working closely with retailers to identify offenders and prevent repeat crimes.