DETECTIVES believe they may have smashed a major car ringing operation after raids on addresses yesterday.

A police team from Swinton CID recovered six stolen vehicles reported stolen throughout the North-west in a swoop on premises in Anson Street, Winton, and Victoria Road, Irlam.

Detectives say the vehicles were in the process of being broken up to be used as spare parts before other cars are rebuilt.

The police team also discovered fake MOT certificates and an embossing stamp bearing the name Peugeot Sales of Washway Road, Sale - a company which stopped trading two years ago and is not connected to the police inquiry.

Detectives fear that the professional "ringing" operation may have been ongoing for several years and many motorists may now be driving around the North-west in rebuilt cars with fake MOT certificates.

The bogus certificates seized by the police start with the figures and numbers RT017.

One man was still helping detectives with their inquiries this afternoon and the police investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information or who believes they may have a fake certificate is asked to contact PC Eadie or PC Reddington tel: 0161 856 5252.

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