Police have discovered a suspected criminal operation near Hailsham in which high-value stolen cars and vans were being broken up for spare parts.
Officers searched an industrial unit at Hellingly on Tuesday afternoon (28 January) and found a stolen vehicle taken from a recent street robbery in London, as well as many other car components believed to have been stripped from other high value stolen vehicles taken from various regions around the country. Amongst the find, police located a number of ‘ghost’ number plates, used to disguise stolen cars.
It is believed the operation, often referred to as a ‘chop shop’, focuses on stealing high-value vehicles with the intention of then stripping the vehicles down and selling on these parts to various vehicle owners at discounted rates.
A 28-year-old man from Hailsham and a 25-year-old man from Stone Cross, near Pevensey, were each arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods.
Following interview, both have been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
Detective Constable Elliott Lander said “Chop shops provide an outlet for car thieves, accepting the stolen vehicles and then dismantling them sometimes in a matter of hours.
“The parts are often used to fix repairable write-offs sold by insurers through salvage auctions or the parts are sold online to unwitting buyers. I would urge members of the public to get in touch if they suspect a premise near them is being used to handle stolen vehicles − the information they provide is vital and we really appreciate their support.”
Information can be sent online or by phoning 101, quoting serial 721 of 28/01. Alternatively it can be reported anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers, telephone 0800 555 111.
