Boy and men arrested after garage 'chop shop' raid

Many car parts, thought to be from stolen vehicles, were found at the 'chop shop' in Rotherham

Three people have been arrested after police uncovered a "chop shop" containing suspected stolen car parts and engines in Rotherham.

South Yorkshire Police said the engines, seats and other parts were discovered during a raid at a garage on Oldgate Lane in Thrybergh on Thursday.

A 45-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods, and a 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft, police said.

Police said the "intelligence-led warrant" was secured thanks to information from the local community linking potential stolen vehicles to the garage.

Police made the discovery after raiding a garage in Thrybergh on Thursday

A chop shop is a location where stolen cars are dismantled for their parts to be sold on separately.

Vehicle crime specialists will now work to identify and trace the recovered items.

Carl Goodwin, of South Yorkshire Police in Rotherham, said the impact of car theft on people was huge.

"It is vital that we work with other police forces to track stolen vehicles and dismantle these "chop shops", he said.

"I hope this sends out a strong message to those trying to profit from stolen vehicles that we will use all the tools and resources available to crack down on this kind of criminality."

Mr Goodwin said information shared by local communities was "vital" for unearthing operations like that on Oldgate Lane.

Police said all those arrested have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Anyone concerned about crime in their area should contact police on 101, or anonymously via Crimestoppers.

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