They can run but they can’t hide: Brazilian police turn up the heat on leather criminals
Brazil’s State Civil Police Force has entered into an agreement with the country’s Technology Centre for the Leather, Shoe and Allied Trades (CTCCA), under which officers will receive training on the identification of leather in its various stages of processing.
The initiative has been prompted by the rising number crimes in Brazil involving the theft of leather - particularly in the region of Vale do Sinos/RS where most production is concentrated. It also follows on from a number of recent incidents where officers mistakenly let stolen consignments of leather go, after being persuaded by the criminals involved that the leather they were looking for was not the leather they were looking at.
Aside from the training, the CTCCA will also give technical support to the police by elaborating technical reports and carrying out technical inspections. The situation is so serious that a ‘leather crime hotline’ is being implemented.
