Three men charged after suspected vehicle ‘chop shop’ located

Three men have been charged after police located a suspected ‘chop shop’, a term used to describe a facility used to store and dismantle stolen vehicles, with parts from these often shipped off.

The facility was located in an agricultural building in Undley, Lakenheath on Monday 6 October, following the execution of a warrant, with three stolen vehicles, two BMWs and a Mercedes, found inside.

Two men were arrested at the scene while a third man was arrested when he attended the scene later that day.

Zilvinas Galinis, 35, of Lopham Road, East Harling, Mantas Zidonis, 25, of no-fixed-abode and Lukas Slenys, 26, of no-fixed-abode, were all arrested and taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre, where they were subsequently charged with the following:

Galanis – Handling stolen goods, possession of a controlled Class B drug (amphetamine)

Zidonis – Handling stolen goods and using apparatus for the purpose of interfering with wireless telegraphy

Slenys – Handling stolen goods, using apparatus for the purpose of interfering with wireless telegraphy

The three men appeared before Ipswich Magistrates’ Court today, Wednesday 8 August. They were remanded by the court to next appear at Ipswich Crown Court on 5 November.