Shipping containers found in Birmingham filled with stolen parts

Police found parts from 14 stolen vehicles in two shipping containers

Two shipping containers filled with stolen car parts have been uncovered by police at a suspected chop shop.

West Midlands Police found parts from 14 stolen cars and bikes during a search at premises in South Yardley, Birmingham, on 14 April.

Some of the parts were stolen from cars in Warwickshire and Staffordshire, the force said.

It added that the owners of 10 of the 14 vehicles were traced and told of the discovery.

Parts from high value vehicles such as a Nissan GTR and a Mercedes E63 S were found alongside those from Toyota, Ford, Nissan and VW.

A spokesperson said the force was now focussed on tracking down people involved.

West Midlands Police's gangs and vehicle crime team carried out a warrant at a suspected chop shop in South Yardley

The discovery follows a spate of car parts thefts in Birmingham.

In December, West Midlands Police said officers had arrested more than 100 suspected car criminals within three months during a vehicle crime crackdown.

A specialist vehicle crime taskforce was set up in September.

"Officers were able to carry out the warrant thanks to intelligence they received," said Sgt James Harbour.

"With the support of the public we can continue to tackle car crime and shut down chop shops."