Gripping True Crime stories from neighbourhoods across the UK.
Series 7. The Ballad of Big Mags A vigilante matriarch with dark secrets comes to regret stepping into the media spotlight.
Previously on Crime Next Door:
Series 1. An Assassin Comes to Town Gunshots kickstart an extraordinary tale of state terrorism.
Series 2. Servants and Saints Exploring the story and allegations of a global religious group.
Series 3. Death on the Farm After fifty years the community of Llangolman seek justice.
Series 4. The Salisbury Poisonings Follow the public inquiry into the death of Dawn Sturgess.
Series 5. The Golden Toilet Heist Exploring a story of art, mystery and a solid gold toilet stolen from a British palace.
Series 6: Who Killed The Shakoors? A father is the sole survivor of a house fire that killed his wife and five children. Follow his story of unimaginable loss and the on-going fight for justice.
Gripping True Crime stories from neighbourhoods across the UK.
Series 7. The Ballad of Big Mags A vigilante matriarch with dark secrets comes to regret stepping into the media spotlight.
Previously on Crime Next Door:
Series 1. An Assassin Comes to Town Gunshots kickstart an extraordinary tale of state terrorism.
Series 2. Servants and Saints Exploring the story and allegations of a global religious group.
Series 3. Death on the Farm After fifty years the community of Llangolman seek justice.
Series 4. The Salisbury Poisonings Follow the public inquiry into the death of Dawn Sturgess.
Series 5. The Golden Toilet Heist Exploring a story of art, mystery and a solid gold toilet stolen from a British palace.
Series 6: Who Killed The Shakoors? A father is the sole survivor of a house fire that killed his wife and five children. Follow his story of unimaginable loss and the on-going fight for justice.
Mags positions herself as an ‘anti-paedophile campaigner’ and appears on national TV. Back home on the Raploch estate, anger begins to boil as she hogs the headlines.
Presenter: Myles Bonnar Written by: Chris Cruickshank, Marisha Currie, Myles Bonnar and Graham Russell Additional Scripting: Jack Kibble-White Producer: Chris Cruickshank Assistant Producer: Marisha Currie Executive Producers: Graham Russell, Susie Crumless Sound Design and Mixing: Fraser Jackson Commissioning Editor: Heather Kane-Darling
A BBC Scotland production for BBC Sounds
In the midst of a ‘paedophile panic’, residents of a Stirling housing scheme take matters into their own hands and one woman grabs the nation’s attention.
Presenter: Myles Bonnar Written by: Chris Cruickshank, Marisha Currie, Myles Bonnar and Graham Russell Additional Scripting: Jack Kibble-White Producer: Chris Cruickshank Assistant Producer: Marisha Currie Executive Producers: Graham Russell, Susie Crumless Sound Design and Mixing: Fraser Jackson Commissioning Editor: Heather Kane-Darling
A BBC Scotland production for BBC Sounds
It’s the mid 1990s. On the Raploch estate in Stirling, a local community is living in fear.
This is a place with many young families, and word is spreading that a convicted paedophile is living among them, placed there anonymously by the local council.
Residents worry the streets are no longer safe for their kids, and outraged they weren’t told or consulted.
It’s an outrage felt beyond the Raploch estate, and it doesn’t take long for a name and address to find its way into the public domain.
Armed with this information, the Raploch rises – as a mob, led by Margaret Haney, known locally as Big Mags.
An imposing matriarch, charismatic with a voice like gravel, she’s more than happy to take on the authorities and speak to the media. She becomes a figurehead and spokesperson for a movement devoted to driving the ex-offender out of the area.
She succeeds, but for the Big Mags, that that’s just the start, and as her campaign continues, the media become obsessed with this diamond in the rough.
She’s on TV. In the papers. Becomes something of a celebrity.
Big Mags is always good for a soundbite, and she in turn, seems to enjoy the attention.
She doesn’t know it now, but she’s made a huge mistake.
As Big Mags has secrets of her own.
It’s not that long ago that one of the most serious problems faced by the Raploch Estate were the Haney family themselves.
And as Big Mags enjoys the glare of media attention, she will all too soon regret grabbing the limelight.
Her 15 minutes of fame will soon become little more than a chapter within in a legacy of infamy. This is the Ballad of Big Mags.
Presenter: Myles Bonnar Written by: Chris Cruickshank, Marisha Currie, Myles Bonnar and Graham Russell Additional Scripting: Jack Kibble-White Producer: Chris Cruickshank Assistant Producer: Marrisha Currie Executive Producers: Graham Russell, Susie Crumless Sound Design and Mixing: Fraser Jackson Commissioning Editor: Heather Kane-Darling
A BBC Scotland production for BBC Sounds
Dr Abdul Shakoor lost his wife and five children in a house fire in Harlow, Essex.
He shares his shock at the discoveries we've uncovered relating to the investigation.
Dr Shakoor still hopes that one day those responsible will be brought to justice.
Written and produced by Gabby Colenso Presenter: Sonia Watson Sound Design: John Cameron-McIntosh Story Consultants: Barney Rowntree and Ben Robinson Online Producer: Rachael Smith Series Editor: Shahid Hussain Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin
A BBC Essex production for BBC Sounds.
Police believe someone broke into their home that night and a fire was started, but no-one has ever been charged.
With claims of evidence compromised, mistakes made and missed opportunities. We turn our attention to the crime scene forensics.
Hear from people closest to the case, speaking for the first time about their concerns.
Written and produced by Gabby Colenso Presenter: Sonia Watson Sound Design: John Cameron-McIntosh Story Consultants: Barney Rowntree and Ben Robinson Online Producer: Rachael Smith Series Editor: Shahid Hussain Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin
A BBC Essex production for BBC Sounds.
Police get a breakthrough when something was found dumped near the Shakoor family home, eleven days after the fatal house fire.
The discovery means the fire is now officially a murder investigation.
As enquiries increase there's a problem, which could provide a reason why this case remains unsolved.
Written and produced by Gabby Colenso Presenter: Sonia Watson Sound Design: John Cameron-McIntosh Story Consultants: Barney Rowntree and Ben Robinson Online Producer: Rachael Smith Series Editor: Shahid Hussain Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin
A BBC Essex production for BBC Sounds.
The town of Harlow is in shock after a house fire left Dr Sabah Usmani and her four children dead.
A fifth child is on life support in hospital. The father, Abdul Shakoor, is by his daughter's bedside praying for her to pull through.
As the community in Essex tries to come to terms with what’s happened, detectives reveal the Shakoor's home wasn’t the only fire in the street that night and the search for answers begins.
Written and produced by Gabby Colenso Presenter: Sonia Watson Sound Design: John Cameron-McIntosh Story Consultants: Barney Rowntree and Ben Robinson Online Producer: Rachael Smith Series Editor: Shahid Hussain Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin
A BBC Essex production for BBC Sounds.
A normally quiet residential street in Harlow is woken in the middle of the night to screams for help. Doctor Abdul Shakoor jumps from the bedroom window of his Essex home as fire rages through the living room downstairs. His wife and five children are still inside.
What Adbul didn't know then is that he’ll be the only family member to survive and also that someone else may have been in the house.
Written and produced by Gabby Colenso Presenter: Sonia Watson Sound Design: John Cameron-McIntosh Story Consultants: Barney Rowntree and Ben Robinson Online Producer: Rachael Smith Series Editor: Shahid Hussain Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin
A BBC Essex production for BBC Sounds.
A father is the sole survivor of a house fire that killed his wife and five children.
On 15 October 2012, Dr Abdul Shakoor jumped from an upstairs window of his house in Harlow, Essex. It was a desperate attempt to get help.
His wife Dr Sabah Usmani and their five children died in the fire and police opened a murder investigation.
Dr Shakoor has been fighting for answers and justice ever since.
Written and produced by Gabby Colenso Presenter: Sonia Watson Sound Design: John Cameron-McIntosh Story Consultants: Barney Rowntree and Ben Robinson Online Producer: Rachael Smith Series Editor: Shahid Hussain Commissioning Editor: Alistair Miskin
A BBC Essex production for BBC Sounds.
A top bullion dealer explains how the toilet could have disappeared and where the gold might be today.
Meanwhile, Jimmy Sheen’s pocketed £520,000 from the gold sale and an investigation shows he’s made big money from other crimes.
Explore where his missing millions could be and whether they will ever be in the hands of the police.
Presenter: Clodagh Stenson. Producer: Jonathan Eden, with assistance from William McLennan. Sound Designer: Meic Parry. Story Consultants: Graham Russell and Jack Kibble-White. Executive Producers: Peter Cooke and Peter Cook. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Commissioner: Al Miskin.
A trial begins and the three defendants plead not guilty.
Details emerge about reconnaissance trips to Blenheim made days before the heist.
Also, Jimmy Sheen’s voice notes are shared. They offer a rare chance to eavesdrop on the crime as it’s happening, uncovering how he cashed in on his golden loot.
Presenter: Clodagh Stenson. Producer: Jonathan Eden, with assistance from William McLennan. Sound Designer: Meic Parry. Story Consultants: Graham Russell and Jack Kibble-White. Executive Producers: Peter Cooke and Peter Cook. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Commissioner: Al Miskin.
Image: Getty
Four years later a toilet thief is unmasked as James ‘Jimmy’ Sheen.
An investigation uncovers Sheen's dark past leading up to the Blenheim burglary with a career of crime that began in his twenties.
The ringleader of multiple gangs, he's tied to violent thefts, nationwide fraud and a shooting in Coventry.
Presenter: Clodagh Stenson. Producer: Jonathan Eden, with assistance from William McLennan. Sound Designer: Meic Parry. Story Consultants: Graham Russell and Jack Kibble-White. Executive Producers: Peter Cooke and Peter Cook. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Commissioner: Al Miskin.
Image: Getty
As the palace reopens to the public, curious visitors flock to witness the infamous crime scene. Behind the scenes, Blenheim’s Chief Executive scrambles to tighten palace security.
An internationally renowned art hunter is hired by the insurers to hunt the golden treasure. Meanwhile playful sightings of fake golden toilets pop up across Oxfordshire.
Presenter: Clodagh Stenson. Producer: Jonathan Eden, with assistance from William McLennan. Sound Designer: Meic Parry. Story Consultants: Graham Russell and Jack Kibble-White. Executive Producers: Peter Cooke and Peter Cook. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Commissioner: Al Miskin.
Image: Getty.
Stunned Blenheim Palace staff are coming to terms with an early morning raid as the gang make their getaway with the £5 million gold toilet.
Meanwhile, rumours swirl about who could have orchestrated the heist with fingers pointing to the toilet’s creator, Maurizio Cattelan, who has a history of elaborate stunts.
When the artist shares a statement denying any involvement a police investigation is launched and the hunt for the real robbers begins.
Presenter: Clodagh Stenson. Producer: Jonathan Eden, with assistance from William McLennan. Sound Designer: Meic Parry. Story Consultants: Graham Russell and Jack Kibble-White. Executive Producers: Peter Cooke and Peter Cook. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Commissioner: Al Miskin.
Image: Getty.
The mystery of one of Britain’s weirdest art heists begins at an exhibition party at Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, in September 2019.
A £5 million solid gold toilet, created by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, is centre-piece at the exhibition. Hours after partygoers leave it is stolen by a masked gang.
The events are a shock for the palace staff who witness the heist and its aftermath, including guest services manager Eleanor Paice and Chief Executive Dominic Hare.
Presenter: Clodagh Stenson. Producer: Jonathan Eden, with assistance from William McLennan. Sound Designer: Meic Parry. Story Consultants: Graham Russell and Jack Kibble-White. Executive Producers: Peter Cooke and Peter Cook. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Commissioner: Al Miskin.
Image: Getty.
A story of art, mystery and a solid gold, fully plumbed in toilet stolen from a British palace.
With behind-the-scenes access at Blenheim Palace, we explore the inside story of the heist and its fallout.
Installed as part of an art exhibition, the £5 million toilet was notorious prior to its theft. Those behind the burglary remained a mystery for years. In 2025, with reporting restrictions lifted, we finally reveal their identities and the criminal past that led them to the toilet.
It's a tale of art and wealth but also security failures, ruthless criminals and missing millions.
Presenter: Clodagh Stenson. Producer: Jonathan Eden, with assistance from William McLennan. Sound Designer: Meic Parry. Story Consultants: Graham Russell and Jack Kibble-White. Executive Producers: Peter Cooke and Peter Cook. Online Producer: Rachael Smith. Commissioner: Al Miskin.
Image: Getty
This final episode, recorded in December 2024, considers what the Dawn Sturgess Inquiry will achieve, and what might change as a result. BBC Security Correspondent Frank Gardner, legal commentator Joshua Rozenberg and Dan O’Brien from BBC News discuss what we’ve heard, what happens next, and what impact the Salisbury Poisonings have had around the world. This episode was made by Marie Lennon, Andy Howard, Tom Ryan & Dan O’Brien.
Executive production by Mary Sanders and Naomi Wordley.
After 7 weeks and over a hundred hours of evidence, the public hearings of the Dawn Sturgess Inquiry come to an end. In this episode, the main participants, including Dawn’s family, make their final statements to the Chair.
This episode was made by Marie Lennon, Andy Howard, Tom Ryan & Dan O’Brien.
Executive production by Mary Sanders and Naomi Wordley.
When the agents suspected of poisoning Sergei and Yulia Skripal with Novichok left Salisbury, what did they do with the nerve agent and how did the deadly chemical weapon end up in the hands of Charlie Rowley four months later? In this episode, we hear the most likely theories from Counter Terror Police and discover why some parts of this mystery are still unsolved. The Russian state and the suspects have always denied any involvement.
This episode was made by Marie Lennon, Andy Howard, Tom Ryan & Dan O’Brien.
Executive production by Mary Sanders and Naomi Wordley.
The widow of former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko explains why she feels lessons weren’t learned between her husband’s assassination and the Salisbury Poisonings. Marina Litvinenko warns that British citizens need to be protected from foreign agents who ‘come to play their games’ in the UK and she recalls the moment she heard about the Salisbury nerve agent attack.
This episode was made by Marie Lennon, Andy Howard, Tom Ryan & Dan O’Brien.
Executive production by Mary Sanders and Naomi Wordley.
