Modern slavery arrests after stolen vehicles found

Two high value stolen vehicles were found

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences after car parts and stolen vehicles were found at a storage site.

West Midlands Police discovered mountains of scrap alongside living quarters housing people in small spaces at Anne Road, Smethwick, earlier this month.

Eleven people were arrested for immigration matters, police said, and two high-value stolen vehicles were recovered. Both modern slavery suspects, aged 23 and 65, have been bailed while the investigation continues.

Sgt Mike Bradley said the investigation was much wider than "just criminals stealing cars".

The operation also involved the Environment Agency, National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), policing's national intelligence unit for serious organised acquisitive crime, Sandwell Council, West Midlands Fire Service, Immigration Enforcement, and BT.

Sgt Bradley said added: "All of the teams played their own parts and by working together we were able to make multiple arrests and discover stolen vehicles – while also disrupting criminal activity.

"We know that vehicle crime is something that affects not just individuals but wider communities and businesses."