Tools, parts and vehicles from illegal West Kelowna chop shop up for auction | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Tools, parts and vehicles from illegal West Kelowna chop shop up for auction

FILE PHOTO - John Edward Newcome, the owner of Cycle Logic accused of running a vehicle theft ring in West Kelowna, after he was sentenced in Kelowna Provincial Court.

WEST KELOWNA - Five years ago, RCMP busted an illegal chop shop in West Kelowna and now many of the items seized in the case are up for auction.

Many of the stolen vehicles were returned to the owners, but police cannot confirm ownership on other vehicles and parts. That stolen property along with forfeited garage tools, are open for public bidding, according to a release from the provincial government.

The release states as part of the court settlement, John Edward Newcome signed-over two dozen complete or partial motorcycles. The bikes include choppers, sport bikes and custom Harley Davidsons. Newcome also forfeited a number of tools including a wheel balancer, a tire machine, welders, a drill press and bike hoists.

Some of the items are already open for public bidding by online auction. More items will be listed soon.

The police raid of Newcome's business, Cycle Logic, and home in Peachland back in 2012 netted a bounty of stolen vehicles ranging from pick up trucks to ATVs to pontoon boats. Investigators found evidence of Vehicle Identification Number tampering. The sentencing judge said the sheer volume of vehicle thefts was 'absolutely appalling.'
Newcome pleaded guilty to 19 counts, 14 of which were related to stolen property.

"Sophisticated, large-scale, organized theft rings don't just cost their victims time and money. Often, they provide capital to organizations that are also behind a lot of the drug crime and related violence in our communities," Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Morris says in the release.


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