Puppies found in cages as police raid Staffordshire 'chop-shop'

Police have seized puppies, vehicles and a gun following a raid on a suspected chop-shop in Staffordshire. The dogs were found in cages at the site along with dismantled car parts, tools and an air rifle.

The discoveries were made after officers tracked down van that had been stolen at about 2.15pm on Thursday (November 7) to Cannock. Five more vehicles were then found in Norton Canes which will now undergo forensic analysis.

A 46-year-old man, from Walsall, and a 33-year-old man, from Shrewsbury, were arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft. Both of them were questioned in custody and released on police bail while an investigation continues.

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Chief Inspector Matt Walker, from the Cannock local policing team, said: “This is a substantial find that was made possible through some effective proactive policing in the local area.

“We know vehicle theft is a priority for so many members of our communities. Often, when these vehicles are stolen, they are taken to sites, dismantled, and sold on for criminal profit.

“We think some of the vehicles were stolen just days before we found them. We’ve been able to act quickly and return some of the stolen goods, including tools from businesses, to help them fulfil contract obligations.

“We’re acting on intelligence every day across Staffordshire and working with neighbouring police forces to target the organised crime groups responsible for vehicle theft, no matter where they go.”

Cannock Chase District Council has also been alerted after concerns were raised about a number of young puppies on the same site.

Anyone with information is asked to get in touch by calling 101, quoting incident 326 of November 7, or by using Live Chat on the force's website. To report anonymously, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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