Illegal ‘Chop Shops’ on the Rise as Stolen Car Parts Demand Soars
In the first half of 2023, a shocking 30 illegal ‘chop shops’ – where stolen vehicles are dismantled for spares – have been discovered and closed down, according to a recent report by stolen vehicle recovery expert, Tracker, in collaboration with UK police forces.
This figure of 30 is higher than the total of 32 chop shops uncovered in the entire year of 2022, indicating a significant surge in black market activity. Experts attribute this increase in illegal operations to recent delays in the supply chain of vehicle parts and the impact of rising living costs.
A notable Ford model, the Ford Fiesta, has been identified by vehicle security experts as being at heightened risk of theft. Clive Wain, head of police liaison at Tracker, stated, “With the production of the Ford Fiesta concluding in July 2023, a massive second-hand parts market has been created, as new parts for these vehicles will no longer be produced. Criminals have been quick to capitalize on this opportunity by selling stolen Ford Fiesta parts on the black market.”
The illegal chop shops have been traced using Tracker technology covertly installed in high-value vehicles, which owners wish to safeguard. These devices have helped law enforcement agencies pinpoint the locations where vehicles are being broken down for spares or where their identity is being concealed for further criminal activities.
With the aid of Tracker, not only have a considerable number of vehicles equipped with their technology been recovered, but hundreds of other stolen vehicles and equipment worth millions of pounds have also been reclaimed.
Tracker claims that their operations during the first half of the year have led to ‘multiple arrests,’ although they did not provide specific figures. These crackdowns on chop shops have resulted in the retrieval of parts from stolen Toyota, Ford Focus, Nissan Juke, VW Golf, Nissan GTR, and Mercedes E63s vehicles during raids carried out by West Midlands Police in South Yardley in April 2023.
Description of Ford Fiesta Theft Risk and Chop Shop Hotspots
The discontinuation of the Ford Fiesta’s production in July 2023 has resulted in increased demand for parts, making these vehicles more appealing to criminal groups who steal and dismantle them. In 2022, more Ford Fiestas were reported as stolen in Britain than any other model, with a total of 3,392 cases.
Essex, known for its extensive international trade via various ports, is considered the ‘chop shop epicenter in the UK,’ according to Tracker. It is followed closely by Greater London, Kent, and the West Midlands, as these regions provide multiple routes for transporting stolen vehicles in and out of the country.
Clive Wain advises, “Thieves often look to ship stolen cars or their parts overseas, particularly to places like the Middle East and Africa, where they can be sold for two or three times more than they would cost in the UK.”
Despite the success of recent operations to close down chop shops and apprehend those involved, Tracker warns that these illegal businesses remain highly profitable, with replacements emerging as soon as others are shut down. Nevertheless, the combined efforts of law enforcement agencies, Tracker, and the community can disrupt organized criminal networks and bring them to justice.
Tips to Protect your Vehicle from Theft
Tracker provides the following recommendations to enhance vehicle security:
- Protect your key fob from ‘relay attacks’: Keep your key fob – as well as the spare – away from your vehicle when not in use. Block the signal by storing 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 windows.
- Make life difficult for thieves: Install security posts or a substantial gate to deter criminals.
- Don’t advertise your belongings: Avoid leaving valuables on display in your car, and don’t store car documents or spare keys inside the vehicle.
- Plan for the worst: Take preventive measures such as installing security lighting and using a steering wheel lock. If your car is stolen despite these precautions, having a vehicle tracker fitted can aid authorities in recovering it.
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