Frontline Fightback - Season 3

In this episode, we see the terrifying moment a couple are confronted by three masked men trying to steal the catalytic converter from under the car parked on the driveway outside their Bristol home. One of the men, armed with a power tool, charges at the couple, but they stand their ground and capture the incident on their smartphone.

Catalytic converter thefts like this are a growing problem around the UK. This programme, narrated by Rav Wilding, looks at the ways in which the police, tech companies and car manufacturers are working together to combat it.

We also see how police dogs in Cumbria are being fitted with high-tech cameras that transmit video using drone technology. Also, how new phone software is helping victims of domestic abuse gather evidence.

In this episode, we see the devastating consequences of a lorry driver taking his eyes off the road to scroll through his mobile phone. His vehicle ploughs into a line of queuing traffic, killing four people. The incident is captured on his dashcam.

This programme, narrated by Rav Wilding, looks at how cameras fitted with artificial intelligence software are being used to detect when a driver is using their mobile phone. These cameras are being trialled on UK roads and the hope is that they will help change driver behaviour and ultimately prevent more lives being lost.

In this episode, we also see how dedicated police teams equipped with night-vision kits are taking on criminals who prey on isolated rural communities.

In this episode, we see how a family are left distraught when two of their dogs are stolen from the 'secure' garden. The family launch a massive social media appeal in a desperate attempt to find their two cocker spaniels.

They're not alone, with more than a thousand dog thefts reported every year. Most of these pets are never recovered, but a unique DNA database has been created in an attempt to reverse that trend and reunite more animals with rightful owners.

Also in this episode, narrated by Rav Wilding, how laser-scanning technology is helping CSIs create 3D digital crime scenes in meticulous detail.

In this episode, we see how a young couple's new glamping business is threatened when their Instagram account is hacked into and taken over. The hacker demands 500 dollars to hand back control – but they stand their ground. Incidents like this are more common than you might think, with more than half of small businesses suffering a cyber attack in the last 12 months.

This programme, narrated by Rav Wilding, looks at the work being done by the West Midlands Cyber Crime Unit to combat this growing online threat.

In this episode, we also see how intelligent trackers are helping to recover stolen cars on false plates and how drones are helping to flush out criminals.

In this episode, a train driver suffers facial injuries after a brick is hurled at his cab, shattering the window. The train was travelling at 70mph, but the driver manages to bring it safely to a standstill, despite his injuries.

A rise in the number of incidents like this has prompted one train company to start installing on-board technology aimed at making journeys safer for passengers and staff. The new features being unveiled include laser-imaging technology to scan the track and embankments – the same technology Nasa used to map the surface of the moon.

The programme, narrated by Rav Wilding, also looks at how victims of domestic abuse and stalking are being issued with forensic-marking sprays in a trial aimed at keeping women safe.

We see how a driver is ambushed by carjackers in a dramatic and terrifying incident outside his home in Birmingham. Data downloaded off their mobile phones helps link the gang to nearly 100 car thefts and break-ins around the Midlands.

We also hear about the work being done to reduce knife crime by a father whose 19-year-old son was stabbed to death in an unprovoked attack.

And how Northamptonshire Police are using a mobile forensics lab to bring science to the crime scene.

A young mum is killed by a dangerous driver who was showing off to impress his friends, reaching speeds of up to 90mph in a 40mph zone. We look at how noise-detecting cameras are being used as part of a crackdown on dangerous and anti-social drivers.

Also, the importance of fingerprint evidence and how 3D graphics are taking crime scenes to the courtroom.

We see how criminals are cashing in on the popularity of cycling – and how one cyclist is using the power of social media to take matters into his own hands and fight back against bike thefts. He has helped recover more than 500 stolen bikes, returning them to their rightful owners.

We also feature the story of a 73-year-old motor mechanic who had his van broken into. A collection of tools that had taken a lifetime to build up were stolen, but the local community rallied round to support him. Across the UK, four out of five tradespeople have had their vans broken into and their tools stolen. It's a crime that has a huge impact on many businesses. We look at how technology such as body heat sensors are helping to crack down on van thieves.

Also on the programme, a new DNA technique helping forensic artists to sketch the faces of criminals.

A family-run farm is blighted by thefts and break-ins. We hear about the impact it has on life in rural communities, and how new security systems that don't rely on a good internet connection are helping to protect businesses in more remote areas.

We also see how data captured by mobile phone masts helped to bring a pair of prolific burglars to justice. And smart number plate recognition cameras that can detect when a car is on false plates.

A vehicle forensics expert helps piece together the evidence following a ram raid on a jeweller's shop in Leeds. By extracting data from the vehicle's infotainment system, the expert discovers vital leads that ultimately help to bring an organised criminal gang to justice.

We also visit a pharmacy in Birmingham that is taking a stand against shoplifters by creating a 'wall of shame'.

And a tech company develops a bodycam that will help shopkeepers identify prolific shoplifters and abusive customers.