Prison for Swanley and Bexleyheath stolen car parts users (From News Shopper)

Prison for Swanley and Bexleyheath stolen car parts users

4:57pm Monday 11th March 2013 in News By Tim MacFarlan, Bexley and north Kent reporter

TWO men from Swanley and Bexleyheath have both been sentenced to nearly three years in prison for repairing insurance write-offs with stolen car parts.

Michael Infanti, of Russett Way, Swanley, was jailed for 32 months and Seaman Anderson, of Thirlmere Road, Bexleyheath, was sentenced to 34 months after police caught the 34-year-olds with parts from at least 21 stolen vehicles worth almost £190,000.

The pair used the parts to repair insurance write-offs at three industrial units - two in Northfleet and one in Meopham - which were raided by police.

Stolen cars seized included a Mercedes E-Class convertible; Bentley convertible; Ferrari F430 and a number of Fiat 500s.

They are all believed to have been stolen from Kent and south east London, including a number from the Dartford area.

Infanti and Anderson admitted conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and charges of money laundering in relation to concealing criminal property.

Kent Police Detective Constable Robin Hemsley said: "Following the recovery of a number of vehicles, both Infanti and Anderson admitted they were buying salvage cars that were heavily damaged and repairing them with stolen vehicles before selling them on and making a considerable profit in the process.

"Whilst it's acknowledged they were not involved in the theft of these vehicles, their dishonest actions provide an outlet for thieves to steal vehicles from around the county, including many from north Kent, knowing they had somewhere to sell them on to.

"The victims of these crimes have been heavily affected, left without their vehicle and put off buying similar cars for fear of having them stolen.

"The fact these two are now behind bars should serve as a warning, not only to them, but to anyone contemplating taking this course of action: Kent Police will investigate and you will face a prison sentence as a result."