A ‘CHOP shop’ used to dismantle stolen vehicles in order to sell the parts has been discovered inside a mill.

Police officers found the location while searching for a stolen vehicle reported missing in Kirkebrok Road, Daubhill, early yesterday morning.

After a search of the property. representatives from Hulton Neighbourhood Police Team and GMP’’s Traffic Division discovered three vehicles which had previously been reported stolen, although the shop is thought to be linked to others.

Along with recovering the vehicles, the officers also arrested three people who were in custody awaiting an interview at the time The Bolton News went to print.

‘Chop shops’ are locations where criminals can sell stolen vehicles which are then disassembled into their component parts..

The people who run the shops will then use the parts to repair vehicles or sell them on - often online - after removing the serial numbers.