Five arrested in connection with suspected 'chop shops' in Bolton

Five people have been arrested as part of an investigation into stolen vehicles worth over £500k.

 

Officers carried out warrants and arrested four men, aged 58, 29, 22 and 25, and one 24-year-old woman on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, handling stolen goods and money laundering this morning (19 May 2021) in Farnworth as part of Operation Amazonite - an investigation into vehicle theft and suspected 'chop shops' in the area.

Between March 2020 and February 2021, officers from GMP's Bolton district carried out a warrants at a units in Farnworth, Halliwell and Westhoughton and discovered a number of vehicles and parts suspected to be stolen.

The investigation continues and a number of cars and parts thought to be stolen are currently undergoing examination.

The investigation falls under GMP's Operation Dynamo, a force-wide operation which aims to crackdown on offenders who are actively stealing cars in burglaries and robberies to be sold on or used to commit violent crimes.

Sergeant Andrew Devonshire, from GMP's Bolton district, said: "These arrests have been the result of on-going work and an investigation into a suspected network of chop shops which is all part of our aim to reduce vehicle thefts across Greater Manchester.

"Cars are of both great financial and sentimental value to some people and we understand that having a car stolen can have a huge impact both financially and emotionally.

"Theft of motor vehicles is a national issue and we continuously work with colleagues across the UK to tackle the problem and there are a number of investigations and lines of enquiry on-going across Greater Manchester and the North West.

"We will continue to work to bring offenders to justice, 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.

"There are also other ways to help keep your car safe such as investing in a tracking device.

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