Police and insurance companies in Barbados have launched separate investigations into reports of a lucrative car parts sales racket involving stolen vehicles.
Not only are thieves stealing cars and stripping them down for parts in an underground market, some legitimate car dealers are also requesting that the criminals assist them in restocking spare parts, Barbados TODAY understands.
Public Relations Officer of the Royal Barbados Police Force Acting Inspector Roland Cobbler confirmed that lawmen were investigating reports that vehicles were being stolen for parts.
The police spokesman could not confirm other reports that some legitimate car dealers were also involved in the scam. However, the insurance industry has served notice that any car dealership which may be involved in the racket will not get away with it if caught.
It is understood that thieves are targeting such makes as Toyota Corollas and Suzuki Swifts.
