An Aladdin’s cave of car parts piled high, countless storage units, mountains of scrap, and even living quarters was found at the site on Anne Road, Smethwick

18:03, 29 Oct 2025Updated 18:22, 29 Oct 2025

Scores of car parts were found(Image: WMP)

West Midlands Police have busted a stolen car parts enterprise in the Black Country and launched a modern slavery probe.

An Aladdin’s cave of car parts piled high, countless storage units, mountains of scrap, and even living quarters with people in small spaces was found at the site on Anne Road, Smethwick.

Acting on intelligence, officers opened each of the units to find stacks of vehicle parts including some belonging to two high value stolen vehicles.

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With the help from one of the force’s vehicle examiners, two stolen vehicles were recovered, and one suspected stolen vehicle.

Two men, aged 23 and 65, were both arrested on suspicion of modern slavery offences. Both have been bailed while investigations continue. Eleven people were also arrested for immigration matters.

Stolen vehicles and hordes of car parts were found amid a modern slavery probe(Image: WMP)

The op saw officers from the Sandwell Priority Crime Team join forces with The Environment Agency, The National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS), policing’s national intelligence unit for serious organised acquisitive crime, Sandwell Council, West Midlands Fire Service, Immigration Enforcement, and BT, to conduct the warrant earlier this month.

The enforcement follows a multi-agency intensification week held nationwide to tackle vehicle crime.

Forces and partners from across the country have worked together to disrupt the theft of motor vehicles, supply chains, and gather intelligence to put a stop to those committing vehicle crime.

Sergeant Mike Bradley, who led on the warrant, said: “This was a complex location we wouldn’t have been able to tackle all of the issues without the help of our partners and this joint approach.

“All of the teams played their own parts and by working together we were able to make multiple arrests and discover stolen vehicles – while also disrupting criminal activity.

“We know that vehicle crime is something that affects not just individuals but wider communities and businesses.

“You may think it’s just criminals stealing cars but it’s much more than this and often forms part of much wider criminal activity. Vehicle crime can be linked to organised crime groups – which is why operations like this are so important to disrupt the criminal’s activity.

“Our investigation into this site is continuing and we are continuing our work with partners, but I would ask anyone who has any information on vehicle to get in touch with us, your information and support is vital in helping us continue to fight this kind of crime.”

Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Grahame is National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Vehicle Crime, said: “Op Alliances is a fantastic example of the huge impact we can make when policing and partners work closely together to coordinate intelligence and take strategic action against the individuals causing harm to our communities.

“We know that vehicle crime seriously affects individuals, families and businesses who rely on their vehicles for transport and often to generate income. In policing we are making significant strides in tackling the offenders who commit these crimes and our ultimate goal is always to prevent it happening in the first place which is where our work with communities and manufacturers is so crucial.

“I’d like to thank all the police forces who took part in the week for their hard work and dedication which is demonstrated in these impressive results.”

Alan Kerr, team leader for environment crime in West Midlands Environment Agency, said: “This operation showed the benefits of joint agency working in protecting the most vulnerable.

“Our officers were on site following reports that this was an illegal waste transfer station along with suspected illegal export of waste electrical equipment.

“The Environment Agency will continue to work tirelessly with partners, targeting those who are suspected to be involved in waste crime and those who pollute the environment.”

Anyone with information on vehicle crime that could help officers are asked to call 101 or use the Live Chat option on our website. You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For more on how to keep your vehicles safe – Keeping vehicles safe | Crime prevention | West Midlands Police