Two Broadstairs men arrested in raid on suspected car-ringing operation

Vehicles were removed during the raid

Two men from Broadstairs have been arrested in connection with an organised crime car-ringing racket.

Officers from the Rural Task Force and the Dover Community Policing Team assisted KCC Trading Standards to execute a search warrant at a unit on the Sandwich Industrial Estate yesterday (November 5).

The action formed part of an investigation into alleged vehicle crime by an organised crime group.

The search of the building took seven-hours. Officers seized what they believe to be a number of car ringing kits which contained everything needed to clone a vehicle including registration plates, keys, electronic devices and even a can of spray paint to indicate what colour to respray the vehicle.

Three vehicles were also seized along with a knuckle duster, stun device and a large quantity of cash.

Sergeant Darren Walshaw, of the Rural Task Force said: “In addition to the items seized we also were able to identify that a number of the vehicles in the unit had apparently been clocked to show they had travelled fewer miles than indicated.

“It was a thorough search, assisted by officers from the Dover Policing Team and Trading Standards. We will continue to work in partnership with our local authority colleagues when we believe hard working people are being taken advantage of by rogue traders.”

Clive Phillips, the Complex Investigations Manager for KCC Trading Standards, said: “We will take action with our enforcement partners against serious and persistent offenders who prey on unsuspecting customers and undermine legitimate local businesses.  We will now work closely with Kent Police in investigating this matter fully.”

The two men from Broadstairs, aged 28 and 29, were arrested on suspicion of fraud offences and handling stolen goods. They have been released under investigation.

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