Eight arrested after police recover stolen vehicles and catalytic converters in Lutterworth

The suspects have been seized after police carried out an intensive three-month crackdown on motor crime, codenamed Operation Yukata, in the Lutterworth area between September and November.

The exercise went ahead “as part of ongoing efforts to target vehicle-related crime in the area”, said Harborough police.

Harborough and Wigston Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA) were backed up by colleagues from the force’s specialist Tactical Support Team (TST) and Roads Policing Unit (RPU).

“A heavy police presence was maintained around Lutterworth both to deter offenders and provide a quick response to any live reports,” said police.

During the operation, some 115 fewer reports of theft were received – as well as 67 fewer crimes overall – compared to the same three-month spell in 2019.

During the operation:

· 27 catalytic converters believed to be stolen were recovered

· 24 vehicles were recovered

· 19 people were dealt with for traffic-related offences

· Four stolen registration plates were recovered

· One stolen trailer was recovered.

Eight people were arrested and one person was dealt with for breach of court bail.

Sgt Ryan Coleman, who covers the Lutterworth beat, said: “Op Yukata is just part of our ongoing work to identify and disrupt criminal activity in the area.

“I am extremely pleased that officers were able to recover more than 24 vehicles – and nearly 30 catalytic converters which were taken for their scrap value.”

He added: “The operation was a great example of teams from across the force working together to combat crime and I hope the outcome will provide some reassurance to our local communities.

“I would ask that people continue to remain vigilant and report any concerns or issues to us.

“You can also sign up to our police alert and messaging system - Neighbourhood Link - by visiting www.neighbourhoodlink.co.uk

“Once registered you will receive monthly updates on your local teams and more in-depth information about their activities.

“You can also complete our survey and tell us what matters to you - this directly influences what your local teams do on a day-to-day basis.”