Police uncover a car ‘chop shop’ in Oldham and make seven arrests

GMP’s Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit stopped a suspicious lorry, leading them to discover the car ‘chop shop’ just off Sumner Street, Shaw.

Officers from the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit dented suspected car thieves’ ambitions when a lorry driver acting suspiciously was spotted on Sumner Street in Shaw yesterday (February 28, 2024).  After stopping the vehicle, officers were led straight to a compound off Sumner Street, where they uncovered a ‘chop shop’.

Upon entering the ‘chop shop’, suspected stolen car parts were scattered across the outdoor premises, with tyres and car parts piled up inside a workshop where it is believed cars are being stripped to sell for a profit.

Seven men between the ages of 24 and 55 were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, handling stolen goods, possession of controlled drugs with intent to supply and going equipped to steal. They remain in custody for questioning.

Several high-value vehicle parts and vehicles were seized, and officers are working hard to find their rightful owners. Alongside the cars, an electric relay device was also seized. These are typically used to steal vehicles with keyless entry, and the car can be broken into in seconds.

Sergeant Paul Lockett, GMP’s Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit, said: “Our unit regularly patrols hotspot areas and is continually looking for stolen vehicles in the region. It is committed to driving down crimes such as vehicle theft and burglary.

“A lot of our work is not visible, but we want the public to be reassured that we are out in communities across Greater Manchester fighting crime and disrupting severe violence, and these results today are a great example of this.

"We will continue to work to drive down vehicle crime, but I would ask that residents help us to help them by following our simple advice - do not leave your car keys on show or where they can easily be reached when at home, always keep your windows and doors locked and for anyone who has a steering lock, I would encourage you to use it.

"Anyone with information about car thefts or anyone who believes suspicious activity is taking place at premises can call and report it online at www.gmp.police.uk or contact Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111."