Three arrested after police swoop on Rotherham chop shop

A suspected ‘chop shop’ packed with stolen vehicle parts has been uncovered in Rotherham following an intelligence-led police operation.

Acting on information provided by residents, the Rotherham North Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) executed a warrant at a garage in Thrybergh on 19 June.

The garage, located on Oldgate Lane, had been converted into a chop shop where officers found a haul of vehicle parts and engines believed to have been taken from stolen cars.

The discovery is now the subject of further investigation, with vehicle crime specialists drafted in to help identify and verify the origin of the parts.

Three individuals were arrested at the scene. A 45-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy were taken into custody on suspicion of handling stolen goods, while a 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of theft. All three have since been bailed pending further enquiries.

Rotherham North NPT inspector Carl Goodwin praised the outcome and the role the local community played in enabling the operation.

“We know the impact car theft can have on people which is why it is vital that we work with other police forces to track stolen vehicles and dismantle these 'chop shops',” he said.

“I hope this sends out a strong message to those trying to profit from stolen vehicles that we will use all the tools and resources available to crack down on this kind of criminality.”