Detectives have enlisted the help of classic car enthusiasts in their search for a 1960 Rover which they believe is linked to an ongoing car insurance fraud investigation.
The case resulted from information discovered when officers served a ‘misuse of drugs’ warrant on an address in Coalville, last year.
Warrants were later executed at six properties across the area – including Glenfield, Groby, Coalville, and in Braunstone and Aylestone, in Leicester.
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As reported by LeicestershireLive in August, the classic Rover P5 (pictured) was among several vehicles believed to be connected to the investigation.
A Leicestershire Police spokesperson said: “In September 2020 an investigation into car insurance fraud involving classic cars began and in August this year an appeal was issued to trace three vehicles, including the Rover.
“One of those mentioned – a blue Ford MK1 Granada series 1 XL – was subsequently found in London.”
The Rover P5, however, which is a rear-wheel drive car and has a three-litre engine, has not been located.
Police believe it may have been restored and undergone a respray.
“Although the car was originally beige in colour, inquiries carried out to date suggest the car has been restored and is now grey,” said the force spokesperson.
“Images of the car have been released in the hope it can be traced.”
As part of the investigation, three men – two aged 44 and one aged 34 – and two women aged 35 and 20, were arrested on suspicion of causing fraud by false representation.
They were later released from custody but remain “under investigation”.
Detective Constable Natasha Perkins, the investigating officer in the case, believes that classic car enthusiasts in the county could hold the key.
“I am appealing directly to classic car enthusiasts to help trace the whereabouts of this vehicle,” she said. “If you know where it is, or have seen it listed for sale anywhere, then please get in touch.
“Any information you have, no matter how significant you think it is, could help us locate the car and in turn assist with the wider investigation.”
Anyone with information is urged to call the police 101 number, or get in touch using the force website, quoting crime reference number 21*115273.
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