The number of car ‘chop shops’ uncovered by police has doubled as the market for stolen used car parts surges.

A total of 34 chop shops were raided by UK police forces in the first six months of 2023, compared to 32 across the whole of 2022

A total of 34 chop shops – where stolen cars are broken down for spares – were raided by UK police forces in the first six months of 2023, compared to the figure of 32 across the whole of 2022. Hundreds of stolen vehicles and equipment worth millions of pounds were found, resulting in multiple arrests.

The illegal operations were discovered thanks to some of the stolen vehicles covertly being fitted with tracking units from Tracker, which feature both traditional GPS/GSM location technology but also its patented VHF system, which prevents signal jamming.

The rise in the number of chop shops comes as thieves increasingly steal vehicles for their parts to sell on for vast profits amid a booming market.

Clive Wain, head of police liaison at Tracker, explained: “The alarming increase in the number of chop shops largely reflects a rise in demand for good quality used parts in recent years, partly due to continued new part supply chain delays. However, the cost-of-living crisis has also fuelled illegal activities.”

Tracker also warned that the end of production of the Ford Fiesta in July 2023 had created a massive second-hand parts market for this model – the most-owned car in Britain with over 1.5 million licensed models on our roads.

“Criminals have been quick to jump on this opportunity, lucratively selling on stolen Ford Fiesta parts on the black-market.”

Tracker’s data shows Essex, which has several key ports providing international trade, is the ‘chop shop’ epicentre in the UK, followed closely by Greater London and Kent, both which border with Essex, and then West Midlands.

Wain added: “Essex has always been, and continues to be, the UK’s chop shop hot spot, and it comes as no surprise that London, in particular East London, and Kent feature in the top five areas, given the proximity of these counties to shipping ports. Thieves often look to ship stolen cars or its parts overseas in containers 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.”

Wain finished up: “We work closely with the police daily to find and shut down illegal chop shops, but regrettably, these ‘businesses’ are so profitable and operations so slick that as soon as one is closed, another pops up to replace it. However, by acting together, the police, Tracker and our community of customers, we can continue to disrupt organised criminal gangs and bring them to justice.”

Tracker’s top tips for vehicle security

Protect your key fob: To help prevent ‘relay’ keyless car theft, keep the key – and the spare– away from where the vehicle is kept when not in use, and block the signal by keeping 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 windscreens and windows on a cold morning.

Make life difficult: Fit security posts or a substantial gate if parking on your drive, physical barriers will make thieves think twice.

Don’t advertise your stuff: Never leave your belongings on show, lock them in the boot or take them with you.

Keep paperwork indoors – Don’t store car documents or spare keys inside the car as it makes it easier for thieves to sell it on.

Plan for the worst: Take car security measures to protect your car from being stolen in the first place, such as installing security lighting where you park your car and using a steering wheel lock. Having a vehicle tracker fitted can help the authorities to recover your vehicle in the event of theft.