NSW Police Force and NSW Fair Trading are warning the community of unlicensed auto recyclers following a joint agency compliance operation in Sydney’s south-west, NSW Police say.
Investigators from the State Crime Command’s Property Crime Squad and officers from NSW Fair Trading, with the assistance of Liverpool City Council, conducted compliance at a number of auto recyclers on Barry Road, Chipping Norton, yesterday.
As a result of the inspections, three businesses were identified to be unlicensed and contravening the Motor Dealers and Repairers Act 2013.
Each business was issued an infringement notice for ‘carry on business of motor vehicle recycler when unlicensed’.
Property Crime Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Murray Chapman, said unlicensed dealing in vehicle parts compromises safety and can enable vehicle rebirthing.
"Licensed wreckers keep detailed records of parts purchased and dismantled, but a backyard wrecker won’t keep this information, making it difficult to track the origin of the parts and determine if they were acquired legally," Det Supt Chapman said.
"Not only does this increase the risk of vehicle theft, it can also lead to further criminality, including fraud and money laundering."
NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe said unlicensed operators undermine legitimate business as they bypasses the robust regulatory requirements of this industry and avoid the costs associated with complying with licence conditions.
Joint investigations are ongoing and regular inspections will be conducted across NSW.
Police are urging anyone with information in relation to vehicle rebirthing to call Crime Stoppers.
