NACTF targets shops keeping ‘hot car’ parts

The National Anti-Crime Task Force (NACTF) will be focusing its anti-carjacking campaign on warehouses, car repair and auto shops and is set to ask the Department of Justice (DOJ) to secure a warrant to search these establishments for possible parts coming from stolen vehicles.

Interior and Local Government Secretary and NACTF chief Angelo Reyes said the move was made following reports that carjacked vehicles were being taken to auto repair shops, where they are "cannibalized" and later sold to retailers.

"This serves as a warning against unscrupulous traders to end their illegal activities as the government is determined to put a stop to carjacking and car thefts, which have been on the rise in recent months," Reyes said.

He said NACTF operatives will conduct inspections on commercial establishments selling second-hand spare parts.

Reyes pointed out that the inspection will be conducted in coordination with the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and other government agencies.

"With the BIR around, NACTF can now exercise visitorial powers over suspected stolen car parts dealers and retailers of cannibalized vehicles, most of whom are in cahoots with carjackers," Reyes said.

He said NACTF has a long list of suspected warehouses and stores selling spare parts coming from stolen vehicles.

Reyes explained that the BIR will concentrate on determining whether all invoices and other supporting documents of spare parts being sold indeed come from legitimate sources like importation and are properly identified by serial numbers.

"Once proven that a shop is selling ‘hot car’ spare parts, corresponding cases will be filed against them," Reyes pointed out.

He asked the public to cooperate with NACTF operatives in reporting suspected lairs of syndicates in their neighborhood.

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) will also conduct inspections on commercial establishments dealing in second-hand spare parts as part of its intensified drive against carjacking and car thefts.

QCPD director Chief Superintendent Nicasio Radovan said this was in compliance with the order of Reyes for a nationwide crackdown on businesses linked to criminal syndicates.

"The QCPD as part of NACTF will join the anti-crime effort," Radovan said. – With Perseus Echeminada