Detectives from the Victoria Police Vehicle Crime Squad have issued almost $4000 in fines and closed down an unregistered business following an inspection in Campbellfield last week.
Investigators conducted the targeted inspection at an automotive wrecking business in Campbellfield on 3 March, following information received that the business was trading in illegal motor vehicles and automotive parts.
Officers identified numerous motor vehicles in various states of disrepair with automotive parts being separated and sold to the public.
Inspections of poorly kept records found that the business was also accepting cash for scrap metal in contravention of second-hand dealers legislation.
The owner of the business, a 48-year-old Doncaster East man, was issued with two infringements for operating as an unregistered second-hand dealer and paying cash for scrap metal, totalling just under $4000.
As the business was unregistered and operating contrary to the requirements of the Second-Hand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act, an Interim Closure Notice was issued by the Vehicle Crime Squad, closing down the business.
The business was also referred to local council and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for further investigation.
Vehicle Crime Squad detectives will continue in their efforts to disrupt the illegal sale and movement of motor vehicles and automotive parts in the scrap metal industry.
Anyone with information about operators within the scrap metal and automotive wrecking industries that are profiting from the illegal trade of motor vehicles and automotive parts are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit a confidential crime report at https://www.crimestoppersvic.com.au/ .
The Vehicle Crime Squad will continue to act on these reports and close rogue businesses.
