SCARE Warns of Unlicensed Repair Shops

Automotive repair businesses are licensed and regulated to protect the consumer and the environment. Recent business inspections by the Santa Cruz County Auto Theft Reduction and Enforcement team (SCARE) led to the discovery of several businesses operating out of compliance.

Even though these unlicensed repair facilities may offer low prices, they put you the consumer at risk. When an unlicensed repair facility works on your car, you take the risk of having substandard parts being used. Often these parts are from wrecked vehicles or potentially stolen vehicles. Also automotive repair often involves chemicals such as solvents and paint. If not handled properly, these chemicals can be harmful to the environment and the public.

The SCARE task force recommends you protect yourself and the environment by using only licensed repair facilities. If you have information about vehicle theft or illegal repair facilities please contact the SCARE task force at (831) 465-7433. For unlicensed repair facilities you can also contact the Bureau of Automotive Repair (408) 277-1860 and your local Santa Cruz County Environmental Health Office (831) 454-2022.