Frosty outcome for man who stole car left running on the drive – but police concerned

A THIEF from Erdington has been sentenced to 12 weeks in jail after stealing a car that was defrosting on a driveway in Sutton Coldfield.

Twenty-nine-year-old Kaleel Maynard stole an Audi car that the owner had left warming up on the drive of his Four Oaks home shortly after 8.30am on Wednesday, December 21.

PC Adam Charlesworth from the vehicle team at Sutton Coldfield police station hopes this case will act as a reminder to vehicle owners.

He said: "The recent advances in vehicle security mean criminals have had to become more opportunist.

All the security features on your car won't help if you leave your car running to warm up with the key in the ignition.

"The morning in question wasn't even particularly cold but the driver left the vehicle running and unlocked while he went back into the house.

"On this occasion he was lucky that we were able to return his vehicle undamaged.

"I'm sure this owner has learned his lesson and won't be making this mistake again."

Police were able to trace the vehicle in December after a local resident, who had witnessed the crime, immediately called 999 and officers began to search for the vehicle.

The stolen vehicle was soon spotted driving towards Lichfield and was found abandoned in a country lane a short time after.

A police dog was soon on the scent and able to track the direction that the car thief had fled in.

Officers followed a trail of vital evidence to a nearby property where the fleeing offender had ordered a taxi.

Maynard was traced to an address in the Erdington area and arrested on suspicion of theft.

He later confessed to his involvement and was charged.

On Monday January 30 he appeared at Birmingham Magistrates Court where he was sentenced to 12 weeks' imprisonment.

PC Charlesworth added: "As the weather turns colder again this week we're hoping other drivers learn from the mistake he made.

"Opportunist thieves will look out for insecure vehicles, no matter what their make or value.

"During the colder mornings officers are out reminding vehicle owners not to leave vehicles unattended. Please help us by always keeping your vehicle locked and secure at all times."