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PICTURED: 'Highly organised gang's' £40,000 car parts chop shop found by police in Bilston

This suspected chop shop was unmasked today by police, who say £40,000 of parts from stolen vehicles across the UK have been found.

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A man, 24, has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal after body panels and vehicle sections with number plates removed, as well as engines and seats, were uncovered at the industrial estate on Withy Road in Bilston.

Victims from Essex, London, Hertfordshire and Wales have been found, and there is evidence that parts may have been shipped to Europe, the force said.

Officers on routine patrol last Thursday found the haul, which was made public today.

Parts from Mercedes Sprinter vans, a VW Caddy and a Ford Fiesta Zetec were found, along with tools believed to be from inside the stolen vehicles.

Pc Matt Aymes said: "Enquiries are currently on-going with this case, but it clearly represents part of a planned network of criminals. From those stealing the vehicles, to those arranging the dismantling and shipping of parts, the group were highly organised.

"In the UK we have stringent checks to identify stolen vehicle parts but unfortunately other parts of Europe are not as strict with their laws meaning stolen parts are easier to sell on and use, often escaping detection.

"Discovering the yard will have seriously hindered their team, so we're hopeful that by working with the other forces involved in the case that we can bring the whole group to justice."

Call West Midlands Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with information which might help police.

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