A Thornton Heath car thief  was caught bang to rights in a stolen motor  after he was pursued by police when he failed to stop.

Alfie Siveter,  of Frant Road  admitted dangerous driving and stealing several cars from communities across Surrey. 

The 22-year-old  was caught after failing to stop for police in Woking on November 11, 2022, leading to a car chase.

The vehicle he was driving was later found abandoned and Siveter was found close by, with keys to that car and another car on him.

Checks carried out by officers revealed that the car was stolen and was being driven on false plates.

He was arrested at the scene and an investigation began into his other activities. It was revealed that in the time leading up to his arrest, he had stolen three other cars, all of which have been returned to their rightful owners.

He pleaded guilty to three counts of theft of a motor vehicle, one count of dangerous driving, one count of handling stolen goods and one count of burglary.

Siveter was remanded into custody and after appearing at Guildford Crown Court on February 20, he was jailed for three years and three months.

Investigating officer Alicia Adams said: “Siveter targeted a number of people in his quest to steal cars from people in the local community.

“The work of officers that evening, and the investigation that followed, helped to ensure Siveter was put behind bars, and I hope this result gives the victims some sense of justice.

“We take thefts of any nature extremely seriously, and I would encourage anyone who has been the victim of a crime such as this to report it to us.”