Police seize alleged stolen car, engines and re-birthed vehicles in Greenacre operation

Police have uncovered an alleged vehicle re-birthing operation in Greenacre and south west Sydney this week.

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POLICE say they have uncovered an alleged vehicle re-birthing operation after a well co-ordinated compliance operation on motor vehicle dealers and vehicle repair companies in Greenacre and south west Sydney this week.

Police seized an alleged stolen car, stolen engine and four re-birthed vehicles during a multi-agency compliance operation in Greenacre and south west Sydney. Picture: NSW Police

Police said they seized an alleged stolen car, stolen engine and four re-birthed vehicles during the operation on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Police said that more than three quarters of the 50 motor vehicle businesses they inspected were allegedly not operating within the industry legislation.

A Mazda allegedly being rebirthed. Picture: NSW Police

Additionally, the operation allegedly uncovered three unlicensed motor vehicle repairers, two unlicensed recyclers and a number of businesses with no qualified tradesmen.

Detectives from the Financial Crimes Squad’s Motor Unit, with help from Bankstown Police, Roads and Maritime Services, NSW Fair Trading, and City of Canterbury Bankstown, fanned out to car repair workshops, scrap metal dealers and recyclers.

They were checked to ensure they were abiding by the regulations under the Motor Dealers and Repairers Act 2013 and the Scrap Metal Industry Act 2016.

A Mazda seized in the operation. Picture: NSW Police

NSW Fair Trading will issue 105 infringement notices for assorted breaches of the Motor Dealer and Repairers Act and Regulations.

Police said investigators seized several items, including an alleged stolen Honda Civic, stolen Holden CRV engine, four re-birthed motor vehicles — a Holden HSV, Mazda BT50, modified VL Commodore and a Mitsubishi Evolution — while 20 abandoned vehicles were impounded by the council.

One of the cars seized in south west Sydney. Picture: NSW Police

More than 100 non-compliance breaches were identified with six infringement notices to be issued to businesses for unlicensed motor dealer and unlicensed motor vehicle repairer/motor vehicle recycler, and five to tow truck operators.

A RMS officer checks out one of stolen engines. Picture: NSW Police

Financial Crime Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett, said the Motor Unit will work closely with other agencies to stop organised car theft and re-birthing.

“These compliance checks have uncovered more than three quarters of the 50 motor vehicle businesses inspected not operating within the legislation,” Det. Supt, Howlett said.

A RMS inspector checks out the alleged stolen engines. Picture: NSW Police

“If you know or suspect a motor business is operating fraudulently or if a car re-birthing syndicate may be operating in your area, please call Crime Stoppers.”

Financial Crime Squad Motor Unit Investigations Coordinator, Detective Chief Inspector Con Galea, said the two-day operation will result in some businesses being shut down.

“We came across three unlicensed motor vehicle repairers, two unlicensed recyclers and a number of businesses with no qualified tradesmen, which means there are people conducting repairs to vehicles who are not qualified or not licensed,” Det, Ch. Insp. Galea said.

One of the alleged stolen engines. Picture: NSW Police

“Further investigations will commence into the stolen and re-birthed vehicles recovered and follow up business inspections will be conducted to ensure compliance is enforced.”

Roads and Maritime Services Director of Compliance, Roger Weeks said RMS will continue to work with police on joint operations targeting vehicle re-birthing and related crimes.

“This operation demonstrates how Roads and Maritime work with NSW Police and other agencies to stamp out vehicle re-birthing and related vehicle crimes, which have no place in our society,” Mr Weeks said.

Anyone with information about organised car theft and re-birthing should contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.