Police recover £250,000 worth of vehicle parts after identifying them for sale on buy/sell sites

Police have seized around £250,000 worth of stolen vehicle parts from an industrial park in Oldham.

The Neighbouthood Crime Team conducted a search warrant at the garage, yesterday, to recover vehicle parts being used for re-sale online. 

Three men aged 32, 35 and 40, have been arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods.  

Approximately £250,000 worth of engines, gearboxes, doors, and suspension parts are among some of the recoveries believed to be from stolen vehicles.  

Vehicle makes and models include Toyota Hilux and a Mercedes E class, Landover Discovery, Volkswagon Arteon, Honda Civic and Vauxhall Corsa.  

It follows intelligence gathered by the officer’s Stolen Vehicle Examination Unit (SVEU), which is made up of a team of dedicated vehicle examiners, who regularly monitor online marketplace sites where people buy and sell goods.   

The SVEU submit intelligence reports and work alongside teams including the Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB) to identify suspects and locations for warrants.  

The information is then passed on to the Neighbourhood Crime Team to act on, with assistance from officers from Neighbourhood Policing Teams and other divisional personnel.  

Detective Sergeant Jessica Parkin, from Oldham’s Neighbourhood Crime Team, said: “The warrants executed today have led to the recovery of numerous vehicle parts and are just one example of the proactive and positive work we do to keep criminal activity off our streets.  

“But our work doesn’t stop here, and we will continue to tackle this type of crime.  

“I would encourage anyone who may have information or suspect that someone in their area is involved with vehicle theft to get in touch with police. Intelligence we receive from the public is always beneficial to our investigations.”  

GMP is encouraging owners to take a few minutes to review these tips for more information on how to keep your vehicle safe: Keeping vehicles safe | Crime prevention | Greater Manchester Police (gmp.police.uk)  

Anyone with information regarding vehicle thefts or anyone who believes suspicious activity to be taking place are encouraged to call 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.  

Alternatively, to remain anonymous you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.