Six arrested following discovery of chop shop in Kirkby

We arrested six people after the discovery of suspected stolen vehicles and parts at industrial premises in Kirkby on Thursday 1 February.

On Sunday 28 January, officers located recovered a stolen vehicle from Acornfield Road.  

Following enquiries, officers attended Newstet Road and an industrial unit where they found a man working on a Mercedes car which was suspected of being stolen. Enquiries confirmed it was, and he was detained alongside three other people present.

A 40-year-old man from Litherland and a 34-year-old man, a 35-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man, all from Kirkby, were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle. 

Officers in attendance then smelled cannabis, and followed the smell to another industrial unit where a man was seen smoking cannabis.

A second man was nearby and both were detained. Officers also seized a quantity of cannabis and three mobile phones.

The officers then saw several electric motor vehicles and quad bikes stored in the same facility without vehicle registration marks, alongside further vehicles and parts suspected of being stolen

A further two men, aged 33 and 43, from Kirkby, were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class B drugs (cannabis) and unauthorised taking of a motor vehicle.

All six people have been conditionally bailed pending further enquiries.

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.

Knowsley Local Policing Chief Inspector, Christopher Ruane, 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, has a significant impact on owners. It is an upsetting experience and can cause huge inconvenience to a person’s ability to get around, get to work and go shopping.

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

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 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.