Three men charged in large ‘chop shop’ operation now shut down in North Dumfries

A large “chop shop” operation in North Dumfries has been shut down by Waterloo Regional Police.

On Nov. 23, police responded to a business on Darrell Drive in North Dumfries after receiving a report of a stolen Toyota Tundra at the business. When they arrived, they arrested two men and discovered a “substantial chop shop” with several vehicles that were stripped down for parts.

A third man was arrested at the property the next day.

As a result of the investigation, 52 vehicles were recovered, three intact, with the majority of them being targeted through reprogramming theft. Those models include Toyota Highlanders, Toyota Tundras, Lexus Rx350s, Dodge Rams and Ford F-150’s.

Superintendent Shaena Morris with WRPS said the rise of vehicle thefts is not only affecting Waterloo Region, but the province and country.

“We want to reassure our community that we will continue working closely with police services across Ontario, focusing our strategies on enhancing enforcement and proactive initiatives to combat this crime and hold those responsible accountable,” said Morris.

All the vehicles recovered were stolen from the GTA and investigators believe the parts were being shipped overseas. The estimated value of the stolen vehicles is $4 million. An additional $80,000 worth of tools and three forklifts were also seized.

The three men are all charged with possession of stolen property over $5,000. Two of the men, aged 73 and 36, are from Cambridge and the third man, aged 29, is from North Dumfries.

All three will appear in court next month.