Last week specialist detectives from the property crime squad worked with police from the Canobolas, Chifley, Lachlan, Orana and Mudgee local area commands (LAC) to inspect auto-dismantlers and smash repair businesses to ensure they were complying with regulations.

Police from the central west were trained in the latest techniques to combat motor crime, before police joining staff from Roads and Maritime Services and the Department of Fair Trading to conduct inspections at 16 motor dealers and motor repairers across the area, including four in each of the Chifley, Canobolas and Mudgee LACs, and two each in the Canobolas and Lachlan LACs.

As a result of the inspections 10 infringement notices were issued by Roads and Maritime officers to an autowrecker in Dubbo, three penalty notices were issued to a business in Kelso, three infringements will be issued to an auto shop in Dubbo and a motor dealer in Mudgee will also be issued with a number of infringements in the near future.

The owner of an autodismantlers in Parkes will be issued with a future court attendance notice for knowingly possess identity plate not on correct vehicle.

Commander of the Western Region of NSW Police, Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie, said the advice police had received from the property crime squad’s motor unit was vital in helping them tackle vehicle rebirthing.

“Police officers gained a lot from last week’s visit by the property crime squad, and we will be conducting regular business inspections,” he said.