Car parts and stolen vehicles found as officers raid storage site in Smethwick

Officers from the Sandwell Priority Crime Team joined forces with The Environment Agency, The 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, to conduct a warrant.

Heading onto the site on Anne Road, Smethwick earlier this month, the teams on Operation Alliance were met with  car parts piled high, countless storage units, mountains of scrap, and even living quarters discovered housing people in small spaces.

Acting on intelligence,  the teams opened each of the units to find stacks of vehicle parts including some belonging to two high value stolen vehicles.

With the help from one of the force’s vehicle examiners, the two stolen vehicles were recovered and one suspected stolen vehicle. Seizing the parts and vehicles, multiple arrests were also made.

Two men, aged 23 and 65, were both arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences. Both have been bailed while police investigations continue.

Eleven people were arrested for immigration matters.

The enforcement follows a multi-agency intensification week held nationwide to tackle vehicle crime.

Forces and partners from across the country worked together to disrupt the theft of motor vehicles, supply chains, and gather intelligence to put a stop to those committing vehicle crime.

Sergeant Mike Bradley, who led on the warrant, said: “This was a complex location we wouldn’t have been able to tackle all of the issues without the help of our partners and this joint approach.

“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 vehicle crime is something that affects not just individuals but wider communities and businesses.

“You may think it’s just criminals stealing cars but it’s much more than this and often forms part of much wider criminal activity. Vehicle crime can be linked to organised crime groups – which is why operations like this are so important to disrupt the criminal’s activity.

“Our investigation into this site is continuing and we are continuing our work with partners, but I would ask anyone who has any information on vehicle to get in touch with us - your information and support is vital in helping us continue to fight this kind of crime.”

Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Grahame, the National Police Chiefs’ council lead for vehicle crime, said: “Op Alliances is a fantastic example of the huge impact we can make when policing and partners work closely together to coordinate intelligence and take strategic action against the individuals causing harm to our communities.

“We know vehicle crime seriously affects individuals, families and businesses who rely on their vehicles for transport and often to generate income. 

"In policing we are making significant strides in tackling the offenders who commit these crimes and our ultimate goal is always to prevent it happening in the first place which is where our work with communities and manufacturers is so crucial."

Alan Kerr, team leader for environment crime in West Midlands Environment Agency, said: “This operation showed the benefits of joint agency working in protecting the most vulnerable.

“Our officers were on site following reports that this was an illegal waste transfer station along with suspected illegal export of waste electrical equipment.

“The Environment Agency will continue to work tirelessly with partners, targeting those who are suspected to be involved in waste crime and those who pollute the environment.”

Anyone with information on vehicle crime that could help our officers is asked to call 101 or use the Live Chat option on our website. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.