Croydon cat ripper `could start killing humans`
A serial cat killer who in the last two years is believed to have murdered more than 250 animals across the UK could be acting on deviant sexual fantasies.
A serial cat killer who in the last two years is believed to have murdered more than 250 animals across the UK could be acting on deviant sexual fantasies.
The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) launched Operation Takahe in 2015 after receiving reports of several cats being killed and mutilated in the Croydon area.
However, reports of animals squirrels, rabbits and foxes being killed in a similar manner to the so called Croydon cat ripper in locations such as Birmingham and Manchester suggests they may be widening the scope of his crimes.
The MPS has deployed ten officers and called on the National Crime Agency (NCA) to assist the investigation.
A psychological profiler from the NCA, Pippa Gregory, believes the killer, like many other animal murderers, may be acting on dark and deviant sexual fantasies.
They are getting gratification from the mutilation of cats, but they also have within them fantasies about mutilating or killing or raping humans as well, she said.
The offender is getting gratification from what he is doing, and it is a question of how long does that gratification last. That is where the danger comes.
Officers believe the person responsible is luring cats using a specific dangling mouse toy, which then gives them the opportunity to grab the animals while they are distracted.
The manufacturer provided the MPS with a list of people who had bought the toy from around south London, but officers were unable to identify the killer.
Although the killer was first thought to have began their spree in Croydon in 2015, a review of previous incidents has revealed a linked case in Godalming, Surrey in 2011.
Detective Sergeant Andy Collin, who is leading the investigation, told BBCs documentary The Met: Policing London: The problem we have got is whoever is doing this is good at what they do.
For this person to never feature on any of our CCTV is quite impressive. There is planning and thought involved in this.
It is a serious offence and its affecting the confidence of the people who live around here. Everyone knows about it, and there is definitely pressure to get this done as soon as we can.
A MPS spokesperson said: Police investigating a number of incidents relating to animal mutilations across the borough, and elsewhere, are continuing to appeal for any information from the public that could assist help bring the person or people responsible to justice.
Hampshire Constabulary also believes the notorious cat killer may be operating in other parts of the country after a cat was found beheaded in Southsea on April 16.
Two more incidents have been linked to the case, including a cat killing in Southsea on April 3 and another on the Isle of Wight in July 2016.