Police believe the operators may have been tipped off in advance of the Wednesday morning raid which happened on Wiggens Road in Olympia.

Though some cars were recovered, police say it's unlikely their owners will have much use for them.

All morning long, detectives brought out doors, hoods and hundreds of car parts from the garage.

Olympia police said they've had the garage under surveillance for some time before the raid.

The operators of the chop shop were not there when police swarmed the garage.

"We have one who we believe is the main player and then a set of brothers that have been working with him,” said Olympia Police Commander Tor Bjornstad.

SLIDESHOW: Police Seize Stolen Cars, Parts In 'Chop Shop' Raid

Police said three stolen cars were found inside, but the number of parts indicated that other stolen vehicles were parted out by the operators.

"They've only been living here for six to eight months and there's evidence a fair number of vehicles have been through here,” said Bjornstad.

Chris Cain lives in the neighborhood and said he was out taking nature photographs when he heard about the raid.

"I'm amazed. This isn't supposed to happen in my little neck of the woods, jeeze,” said Cain.

Although three cars were found inside the garage, Bjornstad said they're too badly chopped up to be of much value.