A prolific car thief hit the police in a bid to escape

A prolific teenage offender has been jailed after admitting stealing a car in Sandwell. The 17-year-old – who cannot be named for legal reasons – took the keys to a car parked in the driveway of a house on Heronville Road, West Bromwich, on June 6.

Police on patrol in an unmarked car spotted the stolen vehicle later that day. The officers tasered the driver, who then rammed them.

The police caught up with the driver and he was arrested a few days later on suspicion of burglary and dangerous driving. Consequently, he was charged with both offences.

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The teenager was also accused of stealing a Range Rover from an address in Pound Road, Oldbury, earlier this month. He was sentenced to an 18-month detention and training order.

Sgt Paul Mallon from our neighborhood crime team in Sandwell said: “We have taken a prolific car thief off our streets.

“We are doing everything we can to identify and track those who believe they can steal people’s hard-earned valuables.”