Warning re Catalytic Converter Thefts
We have received a number of reports of catalytic converter thefts around the county relating to vehicles parked on the road, driveways and in the past car parks.
Please be vigilant and if you see anyone acting suspiciously around or under a vehicle please call the police. Offenders can take only a short amount of time to take the catalytic converter but can cause damage and considerable cost to the vehicle.
If it is safe for you to do so please take any pictures and details of the people and any related vehicles.
Crime Prevention Advice
The simplest way to prevent catalytic converter theft is to put your vehicle in a garage or secured area if you have one. Alarms, lighting and CCTV can also help to deter thieves.
Other ways to protect your vehicle include:
• Buying and fitting a protection device specifically to cover the catalytic converter
• Installing motion-activated lighting if you park your vehicle on a driveway, but if this isn’t possible, park it in a well-lit, busy area
• Using your vehicle’s alarm or installing a Thatcham approved alarm, which should activate if the vehicle is tilted or lifted
• Ensuring your dashcam is set to detect movement
• Looking out for anyone ‘working’ or acting suspiciously under vehicles (particularly in busy car parks)
• In addition, if you are going to be visiting somewhere for a long period of time (e.g. a supermarket), we would advise you to park so it is difficult for thieves to lift your vehicle.
• Avoid parking your vehicle half on the pavement and half on the road, as this may make it easier for thieves to access the catalytic converter
• If parking in a public car park, consider parking alongside other cars and facing you bonnet towards the wall if possible. With the catalytic converter positioned at the front of your vehicle, this will make it harder for thieves to get close enough to steal it
Marking kits can also be purchased, including through Neighbourhood Watch; marking can assist police investigations as converters can be tracked back to the vehicle they came from if located.
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| Reminder of New Law Re All Horses Must be Microchipped By October 2020
From October 2020 it will be mandatory for all owners to microchip their horses, ponies and donkeys. The new Central Equine Database (https://www.equineregister.co.uk/home) will then allow local authorities and police to track down the owners of dumped horses and make sure they are punished and the animals are given the care they deserve. The Central Equine Database logs all domesticated horses, including those required to be microchipped by October 2020. This will offer a practical solution to the pressing animal welfare issues which arise when horses are abandoned, making it easier to rehome the animals more quickly and effectively and has been welcomed by charities such as the RSPCA. Defra state that they believe this extension of the current rules on compulsory microchipping will go some way to help find those irresponsible owners that abandon their horses as well as helping owners be reunited with their animals that have been stolen. If horse owners do not microchip their horses by October 2020 they could face sanctions from their local authority including a compliance notice and, as a last resort, a fine of up to £200. This is a huge advance for the UK’s horses, ponies and donkeys. It will not only enable irresponsible owners to be held properly accountable for the treatment of their animal, it will also aid in reuniting owners with lost or stolen horses and significantly supports the UK’s efforts to protect our equines from disease outbreaks. To check if your horse is on the database go to https://www.equineregister.co.uk/home |
Hare coursing
Hare coursing is the illegal pursuit of hares using dogs to chase, catch and kill them. The dogs used are sighthounds (for example greyhounds or lurchers) and so pursue the hares by sight and not by scent. After the harvest has taken place is when we usually see a peak in incidents of coursing as the hares have no place to hide.
Often this is a competitive activity and involves organised criminal groups and substantial sums of money placed on bets.
We would like your help to tackle this issue, please be vigilant in rural areas and report any information or suspicious activity that you see or are aware of.
If you see coursing taking place call 999 straight away, if it is after the event or you have information that may assist us ring 101 or report online at
http://www.leics.police.uk/report-online or report anonymously via crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
We encourage you to stay safe and not to engage with the individuals involved.
Detectives investigating a burglary in the Beaumont Leys area of Leicester are appealing for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage to come forward.
Late on the night of Tuesday 8 September, into the early hours of Wednesday 9 September, three men were seen in Halifax Drive acting in an unusual manner, close to the junction with Helena Crescent.
When a resident living in the area – a man in his 60s – opened his front door to confront the men, he was assaulted by two of the three men, who also tried to take a bracelet from his wrist.
A third man then targeted the man’s wife, taking bangles from her wrists a necklace from around her neck.
All three then ran from the property and left in a small white sports-style car, driving towards Marwood Road and Beaumont Leys Lane.
The man was went to hospital where he was treated for facial injuries.
Detective Constable Lindsay Hicken, the investigating officer, said: “I’d like to speak to anyone who has information about this incident. Please cast your mind back – did you notice a group of men acting in an unusual or suspicious manner in the Beaumont Leys area last week?
“Did you see a small white sports car in the area? Did you notice anything about the way it was being driven? I’d like to speak to anyone who has a dashcam installed in their vehicle.
“Any information you can provide – no matter how insignificant you think it may be – could help my investigation.”
Call 101 or send us a private message, quoting reference 20*471071.