David Dubas-Fisher

An investigation by the Daily Star found that the DVLA received nearly 290,000 requests for vehicle-keeper information related to alleged fuel theft during the 2025/26 financial year—an average of 794 requests a day, compared with just 476 in 2018/19. The increase coincided with steep rises in petrol and diesel prices. The figures do not prove that every incident was deliberate theft or that charges were brought. The RAC condemned drivers who leave petrol stations without paying and warned that retailers may raise prices to recover losses, while the DVLA said electronic information-sharing with fuel retailers has made follow-up investigations more efficient.

Border Force interceptions of counterfeit World Cup football kits entering the UK have sharply declined despite continued high demand, with seizures dropping from tens of thousands in previous tournament years to only a few thousand this year. Experts attribute the fall to stretched Border Force resources and evolving tactics by counterfeiters using e-commerce and small parcels to evade detection. A major Edinburgh seizure of 58,000 fake kits highlighted the scale of the issue, as officials warn the trade funds organised crime and risks consumer safety. The Home Office maintains that counterfeit goods remain a priority but acknowledges resources are focused on immigration control.