The drivers allegedly filled up across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Cambridgeshire in 2025, then claimed they could not pay and gave false details when promising to settle the bill.
In some instances, they simply drove away after filling their vehicles or used hidden tanks to maximise how much fuel they could carry.
So far, 12 people have been charged with fraud by false representation:
- Michael Nevin, 51, Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead
- Thomas Nevin, 41, of Three Cherry Trees Lane Hemel Hempstead
- Francis Nevin, 37, Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead
- John Nevin, 33, Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead
- Brian Nevin, 31, of Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead
- Martin Ward, 25, Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead
- Shane McDonagh, 32, Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead
- Patrick McDonagh, 25, Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead
- Michael McDonagh, 23, Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead
- Sean McDonagh, 19, Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead
- Patrick McDonagh,19, Three Cherry Trees Lane, Hemel Hempstead
- William McDonagh, 42, Whitfield, Brackley, Northamptonshire
The offences allegedly took place in Watford, Harpenden, Hemel Hempstead, St Albans, Bedford, Dunstable, and Luton.
Herts Police 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.”
“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.”