Concerning incident.

🚨 We continue to get reports of concerning incidents in the Pickersleigh area of Malvern involving youths using catapults, causing criminal damage and harm to animals and wild life 🚨
 

Today, we were made aware of a particularly distressing case whereby a cat was shot with a large ball bearing. The injury has caused severe damage to the animals eye, the ball bearing was discovered while being operated on.  This is extremally upsetting for the owner and the Community.
 

We are aware of local youths who may be involved. Please be advised that this behaviour will not be tolerated. Anyone found responsible or identified through evidence gathered during investigations will be dealt with robustly.  
 

- Catapults are classified as offensive weapons under the Offensive Weapons Act 1996. This means that possessing a catapult in public without a lawful defence may lead to prosecution under the Act.
- There is no specific legislation in the UK that bans catapults outright, but the intent and context of use are crucial.
- If a catapult is used to cause damage or harm, it may be considered an offense.
 

Please remain vigilant. If you have any information or have witnessed this type of activity, please report it to us: https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/