More than 40 suspected stolen vehicles and plant machinery recovered in Rochdale

Friday, 23 August 2024 16:45

By David Murphy

43 vehicles seized in total. Four people arrested on suspicion of theft of motor vehicle and money laundering offences. Officers also seized five Rolex watches, on Tag Heuer watch, seven bottles of vintage whiskey as well as £5000 in cash.

Yesterday (Thursday 22 August 2024), officers from our Rochdale North Neighbourhood Team assisted by our Stolen Vehicle Examination Unit executed a warrant on Swaindrod Lane, Rochdale.

In the early hours of the morning, officers headed to the address and searched the location, uncovering a haul of suspected stolen cars, vans, caravans and plant machinery.

After further searches took place, officers recovered after a stolen Land Rover Defender and tools that are believed to have been stolen from Rochdale Council.

An £80,000 Range Rover, a £40,000 VW Tiguan and an additional 12 diggers, each valued at £30,000, were also recovered from the address.

In total, 43 vehicles were recovered. Officers also seized five Rolex watches, one Tag Heuer watch, seven bottles of vintage whiskey as well as £5,000 in cash, all under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

A man in 50s and a man in his 30s were arrested on suspicion of theft of motor vehicle, and a man in his 40s and a woman in her 50s were also arrested on suspicion of theft of motor vehicle and money laundering offences. They have all been bailed pending further investigations.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Jay-Naren Singh from our Rochdale district said: “This is great proactive work shown by our officers, they are dedicated to keeping communities safe and are out in your neighbourhood tackling crime.

“We had significant intelligence to suggest that these vehicles were indeed stolen from different areas in Bury and Rochdale respectively, and we acted quickly to make sure we recovered as many of those as we possibly could.

“Working with our colleagues in the Stolen Vehicle Examination Unit helped us identify a number of vehicles which have had their identity changed. This is done by changing the number plates and/or the stamped in vehicle identification number.

“There are steps drivers can take to protect their vehicles and make it harder for opportunistic thieves. If you have a keyless entry car, please keep your keys in your property and well away from your parking space, consider purchasing a Faraday Pouch or steering wheel lock – which is proven to be a brilliant deterrent.”