A man has been arrested after a Range Rover was found almost entirely stripped of its parts. The vehicle was discovered by officers four days after it was stolen in Newtown, Birmingham. In an image tweeted by Chelmsley Wood Police, the car appears to be missing its interior furnishings, engine and doors.
The force captioned the picture: Chelmsley officers responded to a 999 call about a possible stolen car in #Kingshurst and found this when they arrived!
‘It was a Range Rover Sport four days ago when it was stolen in #Newtown and stripped for parts.
‘One under arrest for theft of motor vehicle.’
Stolen vehicles are most commonly stripped down at ‘chop shops’ before their parts are sold online.
Last week, a four stolen BMW four series were found at a ‘chop shop’ in Quinton, Birmingham, as well as two other BMWs at a house nearby.
Three of the vehicles had their bonnets, grills, tyres, rims, headlights and brake callipers removed, Birmingham Live reported.
Last year the force launched a ‘Shop a Chop Shop’ campaign, urging members of the public to report garages they believe could be involved in the practice.
A Growing Concern
Car theft continues to be a major concern as a Range Rover was recently found almost entirely stripped for parts by thieves. The incident highlights the rising trend of vehicle vandalism, leaving car owners devastated and communities unsettled.
This crime not only results in significant financial loss for the victim but also fuels the black market for stolen car parts. Criminal networks thrive on such thefts, making it harder for law enforcement to curb the menace. Moreover, insurance companies often increase premiums due to these crimes, affecting honest car owners.
Beyond the economic impact, such incidents create a sense of insecurity, forcing people to invest heavily in security measures. If left unchecked, vehicle theft could discourage investments in high-end automobiles, affecting the auto industry. Strengthening security measures and enforcing stricter penalties for offenders are crucial steps in tackling this growing problem in society.
Culled from Metro
