Stolen cars "chop shop" uncovered: half a million pounds in suspected stolen vehicles seized in by police

A focused crackdown on vehicle crime across Greater Manchester has seen police seize more than £500,000 in suspected stolen vehicles and make 31 arrests over the past month (September 2024).

Among the high-value seizures were luxury cars and valuable goods uncovered during two significant burglaries in Rochdale, as part of efforts to combat vehicle-related crime across the region.

In Rochdale, officers executed a warrant that led to the seizure of a £80,000 Land Rover and a £40,000 VW Tiguan, both believed to be stolen.

Police also recovered £5,000 in cash, along with high-value items including watches and vintage whisky.

Equipment commonly used for keyless car entry was also found on the premises, which, according to superintendent Danny O'Neil, “severely disrupts organised criminal networks” by removing essential tools these groups rely on to operate.

Earlier this month, on 18 October, Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) neighbourhood crime teams, working alongside specialist vehicle examination units, executed another successful warrant at a property on Bromley Street in Manchester, suspected of operating as a ‘chop shop’.

During this operation, three men, aged 27, 32, and 59, were detained on suspicion of handling stolen goods.

This series of arrests is part of GMP’s wider strategy to dismantle organised criminal networks engaged in large-scale vehicle theft.

Just last week, seven men were sentenced to a total of 25 years in prison for their roles in a major vehicle theft ring responsible for stealing an estimated 100 vehicles, valued collectively at £3 million.

Danny O'Neil, GMP’s lead on vehicle crime, said that efforts remain robust across Greater Manchester to address the problem. He added: “We are continuing to put the brakes on vehicle crime,” he said. “Criminals are definitely feeling the impact of our work, and by taking action and arresting suspects, we are tackling the issue at its root.”

Danny also highlighted a notable 19% reduction in vehicle crime across Greater Manchester over the past year, with 4,471 fewer reported incidents compared to the previous year. He said: “Much of the work happens behind the scenes, but please be reassured that vehicle crime in Greater Manchester is reducing."

He emphasised the role of GMP’s tactical vehicle intercept unit, which works based on intelligence to recover stolen vehicles and arrest suspects daily, as well as the serious organised crime group, which supports large-scale investigations targeting high-profile offenders.

Neighbourhood teams have been conducting both covert and high-visibility patrols in crime hotspots, with strategies in place to continue recovering stolen vehicles and intercepting offenders.

Tips to Reduce Vehicle Theft Risk:

• Double-check locking: Ensure your car is securely locked before leaving; do not rely solely on the fob, as signal-blocking devices can interfere. Check handles to confirm.
• Use a faraday bag: These bags are lined with metal to block signals from key fobs, reducing the risk of keyless entry theft.
• Hide valuables: Keep items out of sight, as even small change can attract criminals.
• Install a tracking device: While this won’t prevent theft, it increases the chance of recovery if the vehicle is stolen.
• Use a steering wheel lock: This visible deterrent may discourage theft by making it harder for criminals to operate.

Residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity via GMP’s LiveChat on gmp.police.uk, by calling 101, or by dialling 999 in an emergency.