Extortion gangs attack dealers

The warning comes following a series of attacks on the Arnold Clark Nissan dealership in Toxteth, Liverpool. Police suspect the attacks, in which dozens of car windows were smashed with hammers, were the work of a gang trying to extort money. Earlier last month Arnold Clark's Chevrolet dealership in Sefton Street was hit by vandals twice in one week. The site also houses a Nissan dealership and a Motorstore operation. Similar approaches have been made to other businesses in the area. According to reports, businesses are being asked to pay up to £2,000 to avoid having their premises attacked. Merseyside police have mounted a special Operation Seahog unit to investigate the existence of protection money rackets by rogue security firms. A police spokesman commented: "We take this situation very seriously. Any motor dealership that is threatened in this way should contact us immediately.”