Police launch crackdown on illegal ‘chop shops’ used to sell stolen car parts for 'eye-watering sums'

New research has found that the increase in chops shops comes as the price of new replacement parts for vehicles continues to be a great expense.

Data from recovery experts Tracker found that the cost of SUV parts has risen faster than other car types, with brake discs and pad costs up 37 per cent.

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This compares to the 22 per cent increase in prices for hatchbacks and 20 per cent for saloons, as the rate of car thefts also increases dramatically.

For pollen filters, SUV prices were shockingly up by nearly half (48 per cent) compared to the 41 per cent increase for hatchbacks and 35 per cent rise for saloons.

As for windscreen wiper blades fitted in SUVs, there has been a 25 per cent increase in costs while saloon prices were only up 22 per cent and 19 per cent for hatchbacks.

Notably, the data found that hatchback vehicles have seen the biggest increase in spark plug thefts, with a 37 per cent increase compared to 29 per cent for saloons and SUVs.

Clive Wain, head of police liaison at Tracker, said: “On-going geopolitical unrest is still affecting the supply of parts, which has been unpredictable for a while now.

“Add to this, continuing financial struggles for many which are fuelling illegal activity, and resulting in vehicles of all ages and values becoming targets for thieves.”

The chop shop locations were uncovered as a direct result of Tracker technology, which the police used to crack down on the illegal operations.

Wain added: “These criminals are stealing vehicles to strip them of parts which they can then sell on for eye-watering sums on the black market.

“It’s not only the domestic market where parts achieve big ticket prices. Thieves will often ship stolen parts overseas too, to places like Africa and the Middle East where they can be sold even more lucratively.”

He detailed how chop shops have typically been tucked away in industrial parks or in plain sight, posing as “legitimate bodyshops”.

To help drivers not risk having their vehicle stolen, Tracker suggested only parking in lit-up areas or in a safe place near or inside a home, which could be a better option.

Another tip includes investing in a dashcam or visible CCTV which can monitor the vehicle while it's parked on the driveway.

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Despite most cars being fitted with alarms, Tracker warned that drivers of older vehicles without security systems in place are most at risk of potential thefts,

Another suggestion to increase security includes putting in a gate on the driveway which can offer a physical barrier for the car.