A DROITWICH man was convicted of conspiracy to handle stolen vehicles along with four other men following a lengthy trial at Worcester Crown Court.

Patrick Joseph Behan, aged 50, of Droitwich, was found guilty for his part in a major car ringing operation.

The successful prosecution of the men, including Behan who formally lived in Redditch, is a culmination of a three year long enquiry led by officers from West Midlands police force traffic unit and supported by officers from West Mercia Constabulary.

Police have said that the men were stealing cars from all over the Midlands and, to date, 31 vehicles valued at 1.2million pounds have been recovered.

The investigation, code-named Op Trinket, regarded the selling of stolen, high value prestige cars, many of them having been stolen as a result of burglaries at home addresses of the victim.

The cars had their identities altered and were often sold to innocent victims.

Detective sergeant Gary Rowe, of West Mercia's major investigation unit, said: "This enquiry was lead by West Midlands police force traffic vehicle team and supported by officers from West Mercia's major investigation unit.

"This is an excellent example of two forces working together with the CPS to tackle cross border crime."

Behan was convicted along with Sameer Mistry, 25, from Wolverhampton, Antar Nar, 29, also from Wolverhampton, Stephen Charles Clark, 33, of Hartlebury and Paul Mason, aged 40, of Redditch.

Behan along with Mason have both been released on bail to be sentenced at a later date.

The three other men have been remanded in custody to also be sentenced at a later date.