Officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate are asking people to keep an eagle eye out for suspicious activity involving the storage and disassembling of stolen vehicles.

The appeal for vigilance comes a month after officers uncovered a possible stolen car and drugs ring at an industrial site in

Horton Kirby

.

Following reports of a stolen vehicle entering the area, detectives executed a warrant at the scrap yard on July 10 and seized parts from at least 40 vehicles, all suspected to have been stolen.

Further enquiries led police to believe that the unit may have been used to break down stolen vehicles for parts as well as the production of drugs.

Investigations into the Horton Kirby scrap yard continue but officers have issued an appeal to residents asking them to report suspicious activity which may indicate locations are being used to store and disassemble stolen vehicles.

These could include:

· Loud noises and the sound of metal grinding throughout the day and night.
· Large vehicles such as vans and HGVs making collections 24/7
· Vehicles, sometimes high-value, coming on to the site but never being seen again.
· Vehicles not belonging to the area being parked outside the premises.
· Fuel and tyres being stored on site.
· Vehicles having their number plates changed.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.