Message sent by Anne L Ryan (Police, Global Admin, Thames Valley)
Crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers is offering up to £1000 for information that leads to the arrest and charge of the person responsible for a catalytic converter theft in Aylesbury Vale.
Thames Valley Crimestoppers and local metal theft partners are cracking down on metal theft crime in the district after a spate of recent thefts which have seen as many as 21 catalytic converters (part of the exhaust system containing precious metals) being stolen in one weekend alone.
Thames Valley Police in Aylesbury have been using carefully positioned trap cars across the district to target offenders. They would like to speak to the man pictured on Crimestoppers website as they think he may have information about catalytic converter theft. The public are asked to help identify him by taking a closer look on the Most Wanted at CrimeStoppers.
Julia Hughes from Thames Valley Crimestoppers said: “Crimestoppers wants to encourage the public to fight back against the metal thieves who are creating severe disruption for local people and costing millions to the UK economy.
“Do you know who this man is? Do you have any other information about metal theft? Information given to Crimestoppers is completely anonymous. We don’t want to know who you are only what you know and you might even qualify for a reward which is also paid anonymously. Just call us on 0800 555 111 or go online.”
Det Insp Russ Murden, of Thames Valley Police commented: “Since the launch of Operation Tornado in June this year, Thames Valley Police have been cracking down on metal thieves, employing tactics such as ‘trap cars’ and multi-agency days of action. This has resulted in a 48% reduction in metal theft crime over the past six months. However we still need the public to be vigilant and provide information that can help us stop these criminals from disrupting lives and causing serious and costly damage.”
Thieves are targeting ‘CAT’s from high rise vehicles such as 4 x 4’s and people carriers as they are easier to get underneath, but every car is a potential target and having to replace a catalytic converter can cost £1000s as well as the inconvenience of your car being off the road. Make it harder for a thief to steal yours by knowing where your ‘CAT’ is located, position that side closest to the kerb or block your car in making it difficult for someone to get underneath. Leave your vehicle in a well-lit area or park in a garage where possible and consider property marking your ‘CAT’. ylesbury Vale District Council in partnership with Bucks County Council are offering free CAT marking to local residents at local garages, contact the community safety team for more details on 01296 585061.
If you can identify the man mentioned above or have any other information about metal theft crime, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via our secure online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Whichever form of communication chosen, anonymity is guaranteed.
