Essex Police Discover £400,000 Chop Shop

Essex Police, alerted by the Metropolitan Police, discovered a chop shop near Stansted Airport containing 18 stolen high-value vehicles, including brands like Mercedes, Volvo, and Porsche, valued over £400,000. The investigation began on December 9 when a stolen Mercedes GLC was traced to the area, leading officers to spend three days examining an adjoining unit. Evidence linked the stolen vehicles to recent thefts across multiple regions, including London and Essex. Two men from Romford, aged 35 and 38, were arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft and handling stolen goods, and have been released on bail until March 2025. Detective Chief Inspector Rob Huddleston emphasized the link between chop shops and organized crime, stating that tackling vehicle theft remains a priority for the police. The authorities continue to target such venues to protect communities from the impact of vehicle theft.