More than $100,000 in stolen car parts recovered during multi-agency raid at Paterson auto wrecker
The investigation began after Clifton police noticed a pattern of localized thefts targeting high-value car part.
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A months-long investigation into widespread car thefts ended with police recovering more than $100,000 worth of stolen parts during a raid at a Paterson junkyard.
Detectives executed a search warrant at Fiero Lafayette Auto Wreckers on Lafayette Street in Paterson. Inside, officers seized a cache of stolen auto components, including 54 collision radar sensors, airbags, SRS modules, dashboards, doors, trunks, and Honda engines and transmissions.
On Wednesday, police arrested Wilson Castro, 49, of Paterson, who was identified as the individual responsible for operations at the location. Castro was charged with maintaining a facility for stolen automobile parts and turned over to the Passaic County Sheriff's Office Corrections Hub to await his first court appearance.
The investigation began after Clifton police noticed a pattern of localized thefts targeting high-value car parts, such as airbags and collision sensors. Lead investigators compiled theft data, cross-referenced arrest reports and partnered with surrounding law enforcement agencies after Clifton patrol officers uncovered additional leads during routine patrols.
"Criminal organizations do not stop their activities at geographical boundaries," the Clifton Police Department said in a statement highlighting interagency cooperation.
Police say the recovered parts have been linked to numerous thefts throughout northern New Jersey, and the investigation remains active and ongoing.
