Police in Devon are tackling the problem of catalytic converter thefts with forensic marking kits.
The kits have been funded by Toyota in order to support the initiative and reduce the number of crimes happening.
Offences of stealing catalytic converters have happened across Rural East Devon, Exeter and Mid Devon and local garages are now working in conjunction with police to reduce the number of thefts. Offenders often steal the valuable emissions devices because of the precious metals which may be found in them. Catalytic converters may then be sold on the black market...
Churches across the UK are being urged to take steps to prevent metal theft following a spate of incidents.
The warning comes from specialist insurer Ecclesiastical following theft of lead from the roof of churches in Bath, including All Saints Church in Weston which was targeted multiple times in one month.
High demand for copper and lead, driven by an increase in metal prices, has seen several churches already affected by theft in the first quarter of 2023. The recent incidents of metal theft combined with a challenging economic backdrop has raised concerns there could...
Following the publication of a report indicating that four out of five people working in the trades sector have experienced tool theft at an average cost of £4,470 per tradesperson, RGB Building Supplies is giving advice on what can be done to help protect expensive equipment.
The report was commissioned by insurance company Simply Business and On The Tools. Simply Business has been petitioning the government for tighter regulation on the selling of second-hand tools. A Bill proposing a requirement for those selling used tools online to show serial numbers was presented to the...
Rural residents with oil storage tanks are being warned to check their security amidst increased fears that thieves could target them.
William Nicholl, client director at rural insurance broker Lycetts, said people are stockpiling oil supplies before the sanctions imposed on Russia cause even greater price increases.
“Storage tanks can contain hundreds – and sometimes thousands – of pounds of oil, so they are an obvious target.
“In recent weeks there have been a number of nationwide thefts by organised gangs who have siphoned-off oil. This is no hi-tech,...
The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT) is appealing for help to rebuild its donation cairn after it was broken into during the festive period.
The charity's headquarters are on the Parke Estate at Bovey Tracey where it has a carpark next to its visitor and education centre.
It relies on honesty donations from those who park there to pay for hay to feed its six ponies, four of which are used for its Ponies Inspiring People programme, an education, engagement outreach scheme.
The charity's CEO Dru Butterfield estimates that about £350 was stolen and with the box...
Reported bicycle thefts fell by nearly 19% in the second quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2019, according to the latest police crime figures.
The falling rate of bike crime comes despite a record boom in bicycle sales during the UK’s successive lockdowns.
The total number of bicycle thefts between April and June 2021 came in at 17,940, almost 19% lower than during the same period in 2019, when reported thefts clocked in at 22,140.
The biggest year-on-year drops were recorded in West Mercia, Hertfordshire and the City of London, where police...
Three police forces in the South West are to receive extra funding as part of the government’s £25million Safer Streets Fund – delivering on a key Conservative manifesto commitment.
Avon and Somerset will receive £400,000, Devon and Cornwall £546,781 and Dorset £266,357 – a total of £1,213,138.
The Safer Streets Fund forms part of the government’s concerted action to tackle crime.
It aims to stop offences that blight communities and cause misery to victims from happening in the first place.
The extra funding will be aimed at improving security in areas...
Police have issued a warning to members of the public to be vigilant following a series of thefts of catalytic convertors from motor vehicles in Torquay, Newton Abbot and Totnes.
Between Saturday 3 February and Monday 5 February 2018, there were three catalytic converter thefts in Devon.
The converters were stolen whilst vehicles were parked on the street outside the owner’s homes and also from vehicles parked on industrial estates. The vehicles being targeted are mainly Honda Accords.
Officers are advising the public to park their vehicles either under street...
Police are appealing to the public for information following several reports of theft of dogs from North and South Molton.
The first incident happened at the kennels on The Square in North Molton on Friday 15 December between 9am and 5pm.
Three dogs were all pedigree cocker spaniels. The first dog was a small female seven-year-old black Devonshire Faith spaniel, the second dog was an 18-month-old black Hillside Harriet female with a white bib, and the third dog was a gold Badgeberry Troufseau Hope spaniel. It is believed that a person or persons unknown entered the kennels...
Police in North and West Devon are warning van owners to be extra vigilant following a spate of van thefts in North Devon.
Over the last few weeks there have been several thefts of tools and other trade equipment which have been left in vans. Officers are advising the public not to leave their tools and equipment for prolonged periods in their vans, especially overnight.
The first incident occurred between Sunday 3 December at 10.30am and 8am on Monday 4 December 2017. The incident took place on North Street in Braunton.
