Five stolen motor vehicles have been seized and more than 60 infringement notices issued during a multi-agency compliance operation across Sydney's south-west earlier this week.
Officers from across the South West Metropolitan Region, with assistance from the Financial Crime Squad's Motor Unit, Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, the NSW Fair Trading and Roads and Maritime Services (RMS), conducted a compliance operation across south-west Sydney on Wednesday (13 November 2019) and yesterday (Thursday 14 November 2019).
More than 50 businesses including car repair workshops, scrap metal dealers and recyclers were inspected, to ensure they were abiding by the regulations under the Motor Dealers and Repairers Act 2013 and the Scrap Metal Industry Act 2016.
During the operation, officers seized a stolen Toyota Corolla from a business in Smithfield, and four stolen Toyota Hilux vehicles from a business in Prestons.
All five vehicles will undergo forensic analysis, and investigations into each motor vehicle are continuing.
NSW Fair Trading issued 64 infringement notices for assorted breaches of the Motor Dealer and Repairers Act and Regulations, including not display signage, not mark prescribed parts and not maintain register.
A workshop in Smeaton Grange was identified as operating without a current licence and was immediately closed.
South West Metropolitan Region Operations Manager, Detective Superintendent Craig Middleton, said local police would continue to work closely with specialist officers and other agencies to combat the issue of motor vehicle theft.
"This multi-agency operation has uncovered more than five stolen vehicles and several businesses not operating within the legislation – most from information received during local police investigations," Det Supt Middleton said.
"Further investigations will commence into the stolen motor vehicles and follow-up inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance is enforced."
Financial Crimes Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett, said organised car theft and re-birthing creates ongoing issues for those in the community who may be unaware of a vehicle's true origin.
"People who engage in this type of criminal activity only want to benefit financially through the misfortune of others," Det Supt Howlett said.
"If you know or suspect a motor business is operating fraudulently or if a vehicle re-birthing syndicate may be operating in your area, please contact police or Crime Stoppers."
Roads and Maritime Services Director Compliance, Roger Weeks, congratulated the multi-agency team for working together to shut down the illegal stolen vehicle trade and ensuring the often highly dangerous vehicles don't make it back on to our roads.
NSW Fair Trading spokesperson, Stephen Trench, said the operation is an example of the excellent relationship Fair Trading has with the NSW Police Force and RMS, working together to protect consumers.
Anyone with information about motor vehicle theft and on-sale is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
