Epping: Four arrests made and stolen car parts recovered

Four men were arrested in Epping and three BMW engines from stolen cars recovered thanks to the work of our officers.

On 23 November, Stolen Vehicle Investigation Unit (SVIU) officers deployed to Epping after receiving information that suggested potentially stolen vehicle parts were being loaded into a lorry from an industrial unit.

SVIU officers were joined by colleagues from the local policing team.

When they arrived, they found two men stacking car parts onto an HGV trailer and a man at an industrial unit nearby, where stolen car parts were found.

On the trailer, officers discovered three engines and gearboxes that were identified as vehicle parts belonging to BMW cars stolen in London and Surrey within the previous seven days.

Whilst conducting initial enquiries, a Sprinter van arrived – enquiries discovered the vehicle was on false plates.

Four men at the scene were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and theft of vehicles.

Crime Scene Investigators forensically examined the scene, and the trailer and Sprinter van were recovered, pending a full examination.

All four men, aged 32, 41, 42 and 27, have been bailed until Friday 8 December whilst we continue to investigate.

Specialist unit is vital in fight against organised crime

Detective Inspector Brian Palombella, who leads our investigation said:

“Our SVIU officers are qualified vehicle examiners who are able to carry out enquiries swiftly due to their experience and expertise.
“They are a vital force resource in the fight against organised crime into stolen vehicles and their parts and they are fully supported by colleagues across the districts.
“We continue to tackle the issue of stolen cars and their parts through intelligence-led policing operations.”

The Stolen Vehicle Investigation Unit is dedicated to identifying offenders and the recovery of stolen vehicles, using intelligence gained to disrupt criminal activities.

If you have information about stolen cars, where they are or who is involved, contact us.

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