A stash of stolen cars was recovered at a scrap metal yard following a West Midlands Police raid last week, as the force’s efforts to close down markets for vehicle thieves scored another success.

Officers raided TK Metals on PDH Industrial Estate in Neachells Lane, Wednesfield, following community intelligence suggesting the yard was accepting stolen vehicles. Body-shells to four stolen cars were seized, including an Audi A6 stolen overnight from Darley Avenue, Shard End, just 10 days previously.

An Audi A3 taken from Bentley Haye Nature Reserve on 27 November was also recovered alongside a Skoda Octavia stolen during a burglary in Rushy Piece, South Woodgate, in late October last year. The crushed body-shell to a BMW M1, stolen from Shrewsbury, was also found along with suspected stolen plant machinery and a number plate believed to have been used to steal fuel from several garages across the West Midlands.

A 24-year-old man was arrested and is helping officers with their enquiries; police are liaising with Wolverhampton City Council over the scrap yard’s licence. 

Last August, West Midlands Police launched a campaign urging members of the public to report any garages or units they believed could be taking stolen vehicles and stripping them down for spare parts. The campaign prompted a significant upturn in the number of tip-offs the force received from people reporting suspicious premises. Wednesfield Police Neighbourhood Sergeant Rob Dalton, said:

“We received information on 16th January, suggesting stolen cars were being taken to the scrap yard – and less than 24 hours later we raided that business. It shows how much we value information from the community about suspected criminality and demonstrates how we react swiftly.

“If anyone suspects a premises is being used to handle stolen cars – or as a ‘chop shop’ to dismantle vehicles – then please call us so we can take action.”