Saw this in the Daily Telegraph.. some good work by the boys in blue!
Five arrested over car rebirthing racket July 19, 2007 02:51pm
POLICE have arrested five men and allegedly smashed a major motor vehicle rebirthing syndicate in early morning raids in Sydney's west today.
After intensive inquiries as part of Strike Force Olympian, Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad detectives simultaneously raided five residential premises shortly after 6am (AEST).
Three men aged 26, 27 and 30 were being questioned at Merrylands police station in western Sydney today after they were arrested at homes in Old Guildford, Greystanes and Granville.
A 26-year-old man was taken to Flemington police station for questioning after being arrested at a home in Berala.
About 8.30am (AEST) detectives raided four wrecking yards and spare parts businesses in Fairfield and Yennora.
At a business in Fairfield, a 21-year-old Guildford man was arrested and taken to Flemington police station.
Detectives seized more than 15 vehicles, as well as car parts, from premises in Old Guildford, Greystanes, Granville, Chester Hill, Berala, Fairfield and Yennora.
All the vehicles will undergo a forensic examination.
Detective Superintendent Ken McKay, Commander of the Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad, said the operation involved 100 police from the State Crime Command, Forensic Services Group, Public Order and Riot Squad and South West Metropolitan Region.
The operation also involved the Roads and Traffic Authority, the Motor Traders Association and the NSW Office of Fair Trading.
Police believe a large number of the vehicles, mainly Honda and Mazda sedans, were stolen to order for panel shops, wrecking yards and individuals involved in rebirthing, Detective Superintendent McKay said.
Some of those arrested today will face charges of facilitating vehicle rebirthing, under legislation which was introduced in NSW last year.
Police say they are continuing to push for compulsory whole-of-vehicle marking, which is one of the greatest deterrents to rebirthing.