Wellington 'chop shop' caught in the act: police

The stolen dismantled Mazda Bounty was recovered from a commercial garage in Wellington. Photo / NZ Police

A Wellington 'chop shop' has been caught in the act, police say.

A stolen Mazda Bounty was recovered from a commercial garage in Seaview, Lower Hutt, on Tuesday as a police car crime squad executed two search warrants in relation to a number of vehicle thefts in recent weeks.

The stolen Bounty was in the process of being dismantled, police said.

A number of vehicles and vehicle parts that had been stolen in the Wellington region between August and October were also found at the 'chop shop'. Photo / NZ Police

A number of vehicles and vehicle parts that had been stolen in the Wellington region between August and October were also found at the 'chop shop', Acting Detective Sergeant Nathan Smith from the Wellington District Car Squad said.

"We're pleased that we've been able to recover a number of stolen vehicles and are following up on leads to locate the offenders in relation to this case," said Mr Smith.

"However, we want to nip this sort of offending in the bud and make it as difficult as possible for criminals to profit from stealing cars. We remind owners to lock and secure their vehicles at all times. Consider installing a car alarm or steering wheel lock and keep your vehicle in a locked garage whenever possible. Make sure you take all valuable items with you when you leave your car."

The Wellington District Car Squad was established in February 2015 with a focus on organised criminal groups linked to vehicle crime. Since it was established the number of thefts of vehicles in the region has almost halved, police said.

• Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Acting Detective Sergeant Nathan Smith on 04 381 2000 or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Tips to protect your vehicle:

• Lock and secure your vehicles at all times.

• Consider installing a car alarm or steering wheel lock.

• Keep your vehicle in a locked garage whenever possible.

• Make sure you take all valuable items with you when you leave your car.

(Source: Police)

NZME pd