Three arrested after resident spots items being moved from one vehicle to another late at night

Three people were arrested in Stonehouse on Monday night (19 June) thanks to a member of the public who reported suspicious activity.

Police were called to Whitefield Close shortly before 11.30pm after a resident had seen a group of people moving items from one vehicle to another.

Officers attended and identified that the goods being moved were catalytic converters and cans of fuel which were thought to have been stolen along with one of the vehicles.

Two men from Birmingham, aged 32 and 39, and a 36-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent were subsequently arrested on suspicion of multiple theft offences. They have since been released on police bail with conditions not to enter Gloucestershire.

A vehicle was seized by officers so that forensic examinations can take place.

Investigating officers are asking anyone who believes they have been the victim of a catalytic converter or fuel theft to make contact.

Information can be provided by completing the following online form and quoting incident 609 of 19 June: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/

There are some protective measures drivers can consider to help reduce the risk to their vehicles. These include:

•  Parking vehicles close to walls, fences, kerbs and garages with the exhaust closest to these, making gaining access to the underneath of the vehicle more difficult.
• Where possible parking your car in a locked garage.
• Avoid parking your car partially on the pavement and if using a car park consider parking between other parked vehicles.
• Consider CCTV, security lights and alarms where possible.
• Consider purchasing catalytic converter covers or clamps which are widely available and offer protection.

More advice on how to help keep your vehicle safe from crime can be found on the Constabulary's website here: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/keeping-vehicles-safe/preventing-car-vehicle-theft/