Suspicious business given the all-clear

An alleged chop shop was given the all clear by the police after members of the Edenvale SAPS investigated the business situated in the Avenues.

The investigation, which was conducted in sector two on October 19, saw the police visit the property and take the relevant information of 53 motor vehicles.

Captain Jean Olckers, the spokesperson of the Edenvale SAPS, said the information was taken to verify if the vehicles were stolen, hijacked or involved in any other crimes.

He said none of the vehicles at the business and on the pavement tested positive for being involved in any crimes.

Capt Olckers said from the outside the business had looked suspicious to the SAPS.

Vehicles were parked on the pavement outside the business, some in a deteriorating condition.

According to the business owner, the owner of one of the cars on the pavement had refused to collect the vehicle.

“The alleged chop shop is only a dirty repair shop and panel beater. It was one of the messiest workshops we have attended,” said Capt Olckers.

Resident fed up with overcrowding

Capt Olckers said the SAPS understands the frustration of the complainant.

The SAPS urged the business owner to remove the vehicles from the pavement and the old parts of the the repaired vehicles in the workshop more frequently.

A worker at the business told the police the old parts were kept as proof of the repairs for the customers.

“It gives the wrong impression to people passing by,” said Capt Olckers.

Capt Olckers urged the community not to hesitate and to report suspicious businesses.

“Rather be safe than sorry. We will continue to check in on the investigated business,” said Capt Olckers.

To report a suspicious business to the Edenvale SAPS, contact:

•  10111.
•  071 675 6841 for sector one.
•  071 675 6842 for sector two.
•  071 675 6843 for sector three.
•  071 675 6844 for sector four.

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  Some of the 53 vehicles at the repair shop.

  

  A member of the SAPS taking down the relevant information of a vehicle being repaired.

  

  A vehicle that was at the workshop for repairs.

   

  

  According to the business owner, the old parts were kept as proof for customers that vehicle parts were replaced.

  

  One of the business owners showing a police officer all the vehicles on the property.