A combined police operation has raided an auto wrecking yard business in Niagara-on-the-Lake and seized $5 million in luxury cars and parts. It’s alleged the business was a so-called chop shop, re-making stolen cars into vehicles that could pass for legal. It appears a key element in the racket was the use of vehicle identification number plates from wrecked cars. The VINs were used to disguise newly stolen cars. BMWs, Porsches and Mercedes seemed to be the vehicles of choice. Investigators allege the operation had a wide reach. “The cars had been stolen throughout Ontario, particularly from Niagara up to Windsor as well as in Hamilton and the GTA,” Inspector Jim McCaffery said. It’s said that police in different locations found a link to the auto yard which is known as Auto Enterprises Incorporated.
