Some people may not have noticed the number of smashed cars parked along the grassy patch on Lyndhurst Avenue and spilling out onto the empty lot across from the Traffic Department in George Town. But for those who have, take note that the cars are not for sale or even available for salvaging parts.
Cleanup work is ongoing in the government compound lot and the vehicles along the roadside will be removed as soon as the work is finished, said a Royal Cayman Islands Police Service spokesperson.
The cleanup was necessary because rubbish, trash and bush had overtaken the cars. To assist the groundsman, heavy equipment was brought in to remove the vehicles, so that the area could be properly cleaned, authorities said.
The wrecked cars are being kept at the compound until investigations are completed and reports are compiled. Once this has taken place and the court cases are finished, the owners of the cars are contacted and told the vehicles may be collected.
A vehicle may remain on the compound for a period of years if it has been involved in a serious or fatal accident, or also in the commission of a crime, while an investigation is ongoing, police said.
A vehicle may not be sold until it goes through the proper procedure. The law stipulates when and how the auction is carried out by the RCIPS. In order for the RCIPS to auction the property, it must be gazetted and advertised in the newspaper to notify the public. The family or owners are contacted a second time when this fails to get a response. Property then may be put up for auction.
Smashed police cars are there because they are no longer cost effective and it is not worth it to repair them, said Darren Ebanks, RCIPS fleet manager.
Police vehicles are unregistered and government logos and equipment removed prior to auction.
“The police cars have been there since November of last year,” Mr. Ebanks said.
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