Police raid Lancashire 'chop shop' filled with stolen Jaguar, BMW and Porsche parts
A ‘chop shop’ filled with high-value vehicle parts and semi-dismantled cars has been raided in Oswaldtwistle.
The chop shop - a place where stolen vehicles are dismantled for their parts - was uncovered on Friday (November 13) after officers executed a search warrant at a farmhouse in Blackburn Road just after 10am.
The raid was led by Burnley and Blackburn Taskforce, with help from the police dog unit and the drone team, after a tip-off from the local community.
Inside the chop shop – which spanned multiple rooms of a farmhouse and two workshops – officers found high-value parts for Jaguars, BMWs, Porsches and Mercedes.
No arrests have been made at this stage, but Lancashire Police said enquiries are ongoing.
PC Katie Duerden, a Neighbourhood Police Task Force officer, said: "We have uncovered a significant amount of vehicle parts and our investigation is very much ongoing to bring those responsible to justice and identify the many victims of this crime.
"I would ask any witnesses or anybody with information to contact police.
"This discovery came as a result of community intelligence and I hope it shows that Lancashire Constabulary listens to and acts on information received form the public.
"Chop shops are dangerous and provide a thriving market for car thieves. Stolen cars are sold on to these chop shops where they are quickly stripped for parts.
"Often, these parts are then used to repair a car that’s been written off by an insurance company and bought by the chop shop as salvage.
"Chop shops are putting lives at risk, creating a demand for stolen cars, and damaging the reputation of legitimate salvage yards."
Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner added: "This operation is a fantastic example of the work that officers continue to carry out across Lancashire to help keep people safe, tackling local priorities that matter to people.
"It is also clear from this operation how different teams within the force work around the clock to tackle crime in the county.
"The people of Lancashire can be assured that our officers have the resources, skills and determination to protect our communities."
Anybody with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting log 0247 of November 13, 2020.
Alternatively, contact independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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