Puppies found in cages at suspected chop shop

The two dogs were found after police uncovered a suspected chop shop in Cannock Chase

Puppies, an air rifle and six vehicles have been discovered at a suspected chop shop in Staffordshire.

Police found the site after responding to reports of a stolen van abandoned on Stokes Lane in Norton Canes, Cannock Chase, last Thursday.

The vehicles were taken away for forensic analysis and Cannock Chase District Council was called in after the puppies were found in cages.

A 46-year-old man from Walsall and a 33-year-old man from Shrewsbury were arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft, Staffordshire Police confirmed.

Both of them were questioned then released on bail while the police investigation continues.

Chop shops illicitly disassemble stolen vehicles to sell parts.

Six vehicles and an air rifle were also seized at the suspected chop shop

Ch Insp Matt Walker, from the Cannock local policing team, described the discovery as a “substantial find”.

He said officers believed the vehicles were stolen just days before they were found.

“We know [combating] vehicle theft is a priority for so many members of our communities. Often, when these vehicles are stolen, they are taken to sites, dismantled, and sold on for criminal profit,” he added.