'Significant arrest' after chop shop raid

Police have said a raid on a suspected "chop shop" in Birmingham has led to a significant arrest.

They executed two warrants on Wednesday morning in Bordesley Green, one at a business unit and another at a home, where a 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiring to steal from a motor vehicle.

Officers believe the suspect may have involvement in up to 14 car stripping offences - also known as car cannibalism - between March 2023 and April 2024.

They discovered piles of car parts which will be investigated by a specialist vehicle examiner.

Det Supt Jim Munro said the arrest resulted in further searches and the individual would be interviewed later on Wednesday.

Chop shops are illegal garages where stolen cars are stripped for parts, which are then sold on or used to repair other stolen vehicles.

The investigation is part of the force's mission to tackle vehicle crime in the West Midlands, which it said was a particular priority in Birmingham.

"We've seen a 12% reduction in vehicle crime over the last 12 months," said Det Supt Munro.

"We're continuing to focus on arresting and putting people before the courts.

"In March this year, we arrested well over 200 people in relation to vehicle crime offending," he added.

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