A dad was found hiding underneath plastic tubing by police who raided an industrial unit where two stolen BMWs were being stripped, a court heard.
Officers attended the unit in Heywood after a tip-off from the public and when they eventually gained access to the building, the high-value cars, worth a combined 100k, were found inside.
Andrew Walsh, 35, from Oldham, who was found hiding in a neighbouring unit, walked free from court after admitting to handling stolen goods.
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The alarm was raised on Tuesday June 11, 2019, when police received a call reporting the possible 'stripping down' of cars at a unit on Heap Brow in Heywood, with the tipster saying they could hear noises that sounded like someone working on a car.
Officers attended with one knocking on the shutters, with a man inside saying 'is that you?' Suzanne Hargreaves, prosecuting told Minshull Street Crown Court.
The shutters lifted slightly, however they were lowered again when the person on the other side could see it was a police officer, she said.
Police surrounded the unit and issued numerous warnings for anyone inside to come out, to no reply with no noises coming from inside.
After around an hour and a half officers forcibly lifted the shutters, and found the cars which had "been stripped of virtually all their parts" Ms Hargreaves said.
Both cars were displaying false plates but were identified by their chassis number.
One had been stolen in a domestic burglary five days earlier the court was told.
No one was found inside but officers could see a ladder which at the top had a gap where access could be gained to a neighbouring unit
Eventually, a key holder for that unit was located and Walsh was discovered 'hiding' there, alongside a second man, having 'covered themselves with plastic tubing.'
Both were arrested.
Walsh, of Carnarvon Street, Hollinwood, pleaded guilty to two counts of handling stolen goods at an earlier hearing.
Mark Fireman, defending said Walsh had now found legitimate employment as a groundworker which took him all over the country.
And Judge Tina Landale decided against imposing a custodial sentence saying it was clear that Walsh, who has a young daughter, had now 'moved on' in his life.
She told him: "You have pleaded guilty to your part in this enterprise. Two very expensive cars were stolen, no doubt to order.
"You were assisting by taking the engines out. You played a significant but limited role.
"The overall effect is that it is extremely damaging to the economy, to insurance holders and of course the people whose cars are involved.
"This is a serious offence but committed seven years after you were last in trouble. You have moved on in your life, you are working and you have a child to look after."
She sentenced him to a two-year community order with 120 hours of unpaid work.
He was also ordered to complete 20 rehabilitation activity requirement days.
A second man denies any offences in connection with the incident and will stand trial next May.
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