Police seize 316 vehicles stolen to be sold abroad

OFFICERS have recovered £4million of stolen vehicles, many of which were destined for Russia where demand is rocketing due to sanctions.

- Paul Jeeves

Some 316 were seized in the week-long crackdown, with the haul including high-end cars, motorcycles, lorries, scrap vehicles and stripped parts.

Police focused on preventing stolen vehicles being shipped abroad where they will be untraceable, with raids on nine ports.

In one instance they found a highpowered car stashed among mattresses and lounge chairs.

Despite improved security features there was a 29% rise in stolen vehicles found at ports in the second quarter of this year, said the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service.

Weapons

Police say such crime helps finance gangs and is a big risk to both the public and the motor industry.