chop shop

(redirected from chop-shops)

chop shop

A location where stolen vehicles are disassembled so that their parts can be sold. We'll never get our car back if the thieves have already taken it to a chop-shop.
See also: chop, shop

chop-shop

n. a place where stolen cars are cut or broken up into car parts for resale. The state is cracking down on these chop-shops.
References in periodicals archive ?
Stolen cars are often broken down at so called 'chop-shops' - back street garages or industrial estate units.
Engines from stolen motors found in raid on Midland chop shop; cars nicked to order to supply parts for insurance write-offs
The team's investigative mission focuses on locating chop-shops - usually housed in garages or repair shops - that specialize in stripping vehicles and selling their parts.
Combatting vehicle theft along the Texas border
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