SIX stolen cars and £280,000 worth of stolen BMW parts were intercepted by specialist police forces at the Port of Tilbury and London Gateway.

The findings at the South Essex conatiner ports were among more than 40 vehicles worth around £1.2million intercepted from ports around the country during an operation by the National Crime Agency during September.

At Tilbury, a container full of BMW parts - all stolen from the London area and bound for Cyprus - were found. The parts are thought to be worth just over £277,000.

An Audi and BMW, stolen from care hire firms in Switzerland and headed Nigeria were found.

A Range Rover Autobio, Range Rover Evoque, and Mercedes GL350 - bound for Malaysia - with outstanding finance and a Toyota Hilux - also with outstanding finance - on its way to Kenya was also uncovered.

At London Gateway, an Audi Q3, destined for South Africa, was found 

The NCA were assisted in the operation by Border Force and ACPO Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service.

Pictures show how thieves and smugglers cleverely hoisted cars up at an angle so they could ship two cars in one container.

They also packed containers with other goods in a bid to disguise cars when containers were being inspected.

Tom Dowdall, Deputy Director of the NCA’s Border Policing Command, said: "Exporting and selling stolen vehicles on the black market is a lucrative business for organised crime groups as they also avoid tax or import duties. We know some groups even pay for drug shipments with cars.

"This type of crime not only affects car owners but also manufacturers, insurance companies and vehicle-related businesses such as rental companies and garages.

"Aside from reuniting members of the public and companies with their vehicles, this operation has enabled us to pursue crime groups who wrongly believe they can safely use container and trailer traffic to conceal stolen vehicles.

"A number of investigations by police forces and the NCA are underway, and we will continue to work with our partners to take decisive coordinated action at our border."