Two men have been arrested and a Telford-based garage shut down after police discovered stolen cars and vehicle parts worth millions of pounds at a Midland site. The arrests took place on Monday, September 14, when men aged 53 and 63 were detained on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and handling stolen goods.
West Mercia Police executed a raid at the base of Daytona Performance Shropshire Ltd and Global Engine Parts UK Ltd at Kendall Business Park in Telford on Tuesday, September 8. A closure order was subsequently granted at Telford Magistrates' Court two days later, barring the business from operating for three months and preventing its owners from entering the site.
Customers hit with inflated bills and missing vehicles
The force said officers suspected the business was linked to fraud and thefts of, and from, vehicles. Drivers who trusted the firm with their cars for services were hit with inflated bills, and some did not have their vehicle returned at all, according to West Mercia Police.
The investigation was prompted by intelligence and reports received from members of the public, leading to a thorough investigation and the execution of the warrant, the force added.
Police statement on closure order
Det Con Hulme, from Telford's Proactive CID, said: "This closure order is a significant step in protecting the public and disrupting suspected criminal activity in Telford. Following intelligence and reports received from members of the public, officers carried out a thorough investigation which led to this warrant being executed."
He added: "The discovery of a substantial quantity of vehicles and vehicle parts resulted in two men being arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and handling stolen goods. Our enquiries remain ongoing to identify anyone who may be involved in criminality and bringing them to justice. We hope this action reassures the community that we will act on information provided to us and will use all available powers to tackle suspected offending and protect local residents and businesses."
Ongoing investigation and public appeal
The closure order is seen as a significant step in protecting the public and disrupting suspected criminal activity in Telford, according to Det Con Hulme. The investigation remains ongoing to identify any other individuals involved in the alleged criminality.
Anyone who believes they may have been affected by the business is urged to email TelfordCID@westmercia.police.uk. The arrests and closure order mark a notable action by West Mercia Police in tackling suspected vehicle-related fraud in the region.
