THREE men have been arrested after police raided a chop shop in Smethwick.

Scores of vehicle parts and three cars which were stolen from Yardley and Smethwick on May 28 and May 31 have been seized by police from an industrial unit off Watville Road on Friday, June 2.

Three men, aged 19, 21 and 23, were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit theft and have been bailed with conditions while police enquires continue.

A spokesperson for West Midlands Police said: “We know the impact of vehicle crime on our communities, and we'd urge anyone who suspects a chop shop is operating near them to inform us.

“Tell-tale signs of a chop shop could include noise coming from units late at night or in the early hours of the morning; vehicles that look out of place going into workshops and not coming back out; large amounts of car parts being stored, sometimes in odd places such as gardens; shipping containers in unusual locations and expensive items such as engines and gearboxes outside workshops.

“To report suspicions please contact us either via Live Chat at west-midlands.police.uk or by calling 101 anytime.”