A ‘chop shop’ full of stolen dismantled pieces of cars and vans found by police has led to two arrests.
The stolen goods were discovered in a garage after community support officers followed up a report of a fly-tipping incident in February.
The officers walked into the garage compound and as became aware of men acting suspiciously who then ran from the scene. Police attended and discovered a number of vehicles displaying false plates.
A Luton van, a partly dismantled Ford Kuga and two Ford Transit vans were seized from the site. It was discovered one of the vehicles had been stolen from Sherwood following a car key burglary in January.
Police kept a close eye on the garages in Bilborough for months to gather evidence and struck to make arrests across the city this morning as three houses were raided.
Officers searched the properties and arrested two men, aged 37 and 29, on suspicion of handling stolen goods.
Detective Constable Natalia Montano led the investigation. She said: “The arrests comes as a result of an investigation into a set of residential garages off Staverton Road in Bilborough where on 18 February officers found a number of stolen vehicles in the process of being dismantled and stripped of their parts.
“Criminals look to dismantle stolen vehicles into parts and sell them on through scrap metal dealerships or sell the parts online.
“Police searched three houses in Wallett Avenue, Beeston, Edmonstone Crescent, Bestwood and Abderford Avenue, Hyson Green this morning.
“This followed an investigation into the set of garages in Bilborough being used as a chop shop where stolen vehicles were driven to the secluded area down a long driveway and were dismantled.
“In January a white Ford Kuga was stolen in Sherwood after a car keys were taken from inside a house and the vehicle was driven away from outside. Officers investigated the incident but the vehicle remained outstanding.
“The vehicle was eventually found by chance at the compound. All of the seized vehicles were examined by crime scene investigators and DNA from a drinks bottle and a pair of gloves helped police locate addresses relating to the suspects.
“The two men remain in police custody for questioning.”
Detective Inspector Kayne Rukas, of Nottinghamshire Police said: “This was fantastic work by the force’s burglary team investigating the original car key burglary back in the New Year.
“Crimes against vehicles, including the theft of and theft of items from them, is a common crime so it is important your vehicle is not an easy target for criminals. Most vehicle crime can be prevented.
“Where possible ensure that your vehicle is parked on your driveway or in your garage if you have one. Alternatively, ensure your vehicle is parked in a well-lit area.
“Have an alarm and immobiliser fitted if your vehicle doesn’t already have one. This is an effective way of deterring criminals. A Thatcham-compliant immobiliser or steering lock can help secure older vehicles.
“We would always urge car owners to keep your keys safe and out of sight at home. Ensure they are not left near unlocked doors or open windows in your home to ensure they are not easily available to opportunist thieves.”
Pictures: Notts Police
