Illegal ‘chop shops’ used to strip and dismantle stolen cars shut down

Joint operations between Tracker and the police uncovered 55 illegal ‘chop shops’ that were being used to strip and dismantle stolen cars in 2023.

That was a significant increase of 72% compared to the previous year, with 80 arrests made overall as a result.

In most cases, police found industrial-sized jammers on site, used by thieves to block the signal from GPS and GSM-only locators.

However, Tracker’s combination of VHF with GPS/GSM technology is immune to signal jamming and led police directly to the chop shops where stolen cars fitted with its devices were being hidden.

A total of 164 non-Tracker fitted stolen vehicles were also safely recovered.

“Thieves are stealing vehicles to order, whether to sell on as they are or to strip them for their parts to meet growing demand,” said Clive Wain, head of police liaison at Tracker.

“The legitimate automotive aftermarket is struggling to supply parts for vehicles of all ages and values, which is why last year we recovered vehicles ranging for a £150,000 Range Rover Autobiography, all the way down to a £1,000 Audi A3.

“Had we not intercepted these vehicles, their parts would have been sold very lucratively on the black market.”  

Essex has always been and continues to be the UK’s chop shop prime hot spot, mostly because the proximity of Tilbury Docks makes it the perfect gateway for shipping stolen car parts abroad.

Through joint operations with Essex police and Tracker, 10 chop shops were shut down last year in the region alone.  

Wain concluded: “In the last couple of years the cost-of-living crisis has fuelled illegal activities, alongside the shortfall in spare parts. In addition to an increase in illegal chop shops to capitalise on this, we have seen the advent of car cannibalisation.

“This is where vehicles are being stripped for parts where they have been parked by their owner, rather than being stolen and dismantled at another location.  

“With vehicle thefts continuing to rise, the need to ramp up vehicle security has never been more important.”

Tracker’s top tips for vehicle security

Protect your key fob. Keyless car theft works through a relay-style electronic device tricking your key fob signal into thinking the key is near to the car and then the device can assume all key fob power. To prevent this, keep the key – and the spare too - away from where the vehicle is kept when not in use, and block the signal by keeping the key fob in a closed tin or faraday bag.

Switch off and lock up. Never leave your car running idle and unattended, even when defrosting windscreens and windows on a cold morning.

Make life difficult. Fit security posts or a substantial gate if parking on your drive, physical barriers will make thieves think twice.

Don’t advertise your stuff. Never leave your belongings on show, lock them in the boot or take them with you.

Keep paperwork indoors. Don’t store car documents or spare keys inside the car as it makes it easier for thieves to sell it on.

Plan for the worst. Take car security measures to protect your car from being stolen in the first place, such as installing security lighting where you park your car and using a steering wheel lock. If criminals find a way to steal your car, having a vehicle tracker fitted can help the authorities to recover your vehicle.