Appeal after police uncover £200k 'chop-shop'

Officers discovered seven high value stolen cars ,which were partially stripped down, at a unit in Norfolk Street, Nelson, at around 10.30am on June 27.

The raid came on the back of information received from the public.

When officers went inside the unit nobody was inside. No arrests have been made.

Police believe the cars were stolen from the Greater Manchester area and are working with other police forces to identify the owners of the vehicles.

Cars found include a Mercedes AMG, two other Mercedes vehicles, a Sat Leon, a Volkswagen Touareg, a Audi A2 and a BMW car.

No arrests have been made.

Police said their investigation is still in its early stages but are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Sgt Tim Hitchen said: “On the back of information received we forced entry into a unit in Norfolk Street, Nelson, and discovered a chop-shop.

“Within the building were seven semi-stripped high value stolen vehicles. There was nobody present at the time.

“I am appealing for anyone with information to come forward. I am particularly keen to talk to anyone who witnessed anyone entering the unit in the last four weeks, any vehicles being driven suspiciously or any vehicles parked outside.”

A chop-shop is a place where stolen cars are stripped down into parts.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sgt Hitchen on 101.Appeal after police uncover £200k 'chop-shop'