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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Joe Thomas

'Chop shop' busted after 11 'stolen' cars and parts found at warehouse

Forensics officers are examining a Bootle warehouse after discovering a suspected vehicle 'chop shop' .

Three cars - partially dismantled - were found when police attended an industrial site on Howe Street.

And parts from eight other vehicles - including registration plates and documents - were also discovered.

All of the vehicles identified so far are believed to have been stolen.

Images from inside a suspected chop shop discovered in Bootle. Image: Merseyside Police (liverpool echo)

Police teams entered the site on Friday and work has continued since.

The discovery comes months after a raid uncovered what is believed to be one of the biggest chop shops - where stolen vehicles are dismantled so parts can be sold on - ever found on Merseyside.

The Aintree site, where parts from almost 100 vehicles have been identified , remained under investigation at the beginning of this month after being raided in January.

A spokeswoman for Merseyside Police said: "Following police activity on Friday,  we can confirm that a number of suspected stolen vehicles and parts have been recovered at an industrial premises on Howe Street, Bootle .

Images from inside a suspected chop shop discovered in Bootle. Image: Merseyside Police (liverpool echo)

"After gaining access to the site, officers found 11 stolen vehicles, made up of three complete vehicles as well as registration plates and documents relating to previous dismantled vehicles, believed to be linked to a number of recent burglaries.

"An extensive investigation has been ongoing since, and forensic examination of vehicles and parts continues. Investigations are also ongoing to find the person/s responsible.

Inside Merseyside’s biggest chop shop

"Criminals can steal and dismantle cars at an alarming rate, therefore we’d urge anyone who has any intelligence or knows someone involved in this type of crime to contact Merseyside Police ."

*Anyone with information can contact the force via Twitter (@MerPolCC) or by calling 101. Crimestoppers can be contacted, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

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