Arrest after discovery of chop shop in Kirkdale

A man has been arrested after the discovery of suspected stolen vehicles and parts inside a building in Kirkdale.
 
At around 3.20pm on Sunday 1 December officers were on patrol when they heard an alarm going off inside a building on Forth Street and movement inside.

Officers gained access and discovered a makeshift garage with 20-30 vehicles in the yard including Range Rovers and BMW’s in various states of repair situated on site. Further investigation uncovered suspected stolen vehicle registration plates and car parts.

A 28-year-old man from Walton was arrested on suspicion of various offences including handling stolen goods, possess/control identity documents with intent and abstraction of electricity. He has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

An extensive investigation is ongoing, and forensic examination of vehicles and parts continues. 
 
Detective Sergeant Lynsey Dawson said: “We take all reports of car thefts extremely seriously and we are committed to reducing the number of offences in Merseyside.

“We recognise that the theft of a vehicle, which is likely to be one of the most expensive items a person owns, is an upsetting experience and can cause huge inconvenience to the victim.

"This is totally unacceptable and we are determined to prevent as many car thefts as possible.”

The following advice could prevent you from becoming a victim of car theft:

• When locking the car make sure that any security devices are activated
• Don't leave car keys visible from windows, in back doors or where they could be accessible from a letter box
• If you haven't got them already, look to install wheel locks and hide the lock nut somewhere safe in the vehicle but not in an obvious place. It is better to take the lock nut with you
• Park in well lit areas and consider where you are parking in the day if the car is being left there overnight or you are not returning to the car until dark
• Where possible park in Park Mark Safer Parking car parks which have been approved by police
• Don't leave your car engine running unattended - not only is that an offence on a main road it is an open invitation to thieves
• Property - including small amounts of cash, CDs, clothing or bags - should not be left on view in a parked vehicle. They may not be worth much to you but they are to a thief
• When putting items into the boot of an unattended car this should be done before arrival at the intended parking place so that a thief cannot observe what is being put in the boot
• If they can be removed, Sat Nav systems, including leads, should not be left in vehicles
• If you need further crime reduction advice contact your local neighbourhood policing team

We urge anyone who has any intelligence or knows someone involved in this type of crime to contact Merseyside Police social media desk @MerPolCC so we can investigate.

You can also call 101 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.