Scrap yard owner from Ellistown jailed following the discovery of stolen cars
A scrap yard owner has been jailed for 18 months after police discovered stolen cars and vehicle parts on his site.
Thomas Merrall (45), of Battlefield Drive, Ellistown, near Coalville, was jailed at Leicester Crown Court earlier today.
Merrall was found guilty last month of handling stolen goods and offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Leicestershire police raided his yard, BM Motors, in Beverage Lane, Ellistown, in April 2010, and found 19 cars or parts of cars, mostly BMWs.
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The investigation was part of Operation Bling, which targets criminals who are profiting from crime.
Detective Constable Liz Seal, who led the investigation, said: "It came to our attention that Merrall was living beyond what he could reasonably be expecting to earn from his business if it was being run legitimately.
"We carried out further investigations which led to the decision to raid his yard.
"We found cars or parts of cars that had been stolen in burglaries across the country.
"Operation Bling continues. We are still keen to hear about people who may be funding extravagant lifestyles from crime. Where possible we will take criminal or civil action to make sure they are deprived of the profits."
Leicestershire police said earlier this week that it was planning a fresh round of arrests under the Bling campaign.
Comments
by rhino
Thursday, December 20 2012, 10:13PM
“Thats ok but get your BM nicked and your ins co will not pay you out if poss cos they say they can not be pinched l should know.”
by MrBud
Wednesday, December 19 2012, 7:31AM
“It's a joke, it is us who have to pay higher insurance premiums bcos of these scums!!!!!”
by prog_rock_fan
Tuesday, December 18 2012, 8:51PM
“19 cars or parts of cars = 18 months in jail?
Who says crime doesn't pay?
How about 19 cars or parts of cars = 19 YEARS in jail?”