Car thief caught after police use mobile phone tracking to follow vehicle in Yorkshire

Officers were called to a report that a red Citroen C1 car had been stolen from outside the Royal Spice Indian restaurant on Burton Stone Lane, York, at about 8.45pm on Saturday May 13.

The owner of the car had left the vehicle for a very short time while she went into the restaurant, police said.

While she did so, a suspect got in and drove off.

The victim chased after the stolen car and it stopped about 50 metres up the road, allowing her to catch up and attempt to open the door.

However, the suspect then drove off again, resulting in the victim falling and sustaining minor injuries, which required hospital treatment.

The victim’s phone was in the vehicle.

Officers were able to track it in real time as it drove up the A19 towards Easingwold.

The stolen car was spotted by police near Easingwold, at which point the driver jumped out and ran off.

A 17-year-old suspect was arrested near Crayke a short time later on suspicion of theft of a vehicle, driving without due care and attention, and driving without a licence or insurance.

He has been released on bail while enquiries continue, police said.

Officers are appealing for information about the incident. They want to hear from anyone who saw the incident take place in York, or saw the suspect at any point.

He is described as about 6ft tall, with a slim build, short brown hair and slight stubble.

At the time of the incident he was wearing a grey hoodie, dark jogging bottoms and dark trainer.

Anyone who may have captured CCTV or dashcam footage showing the red Citroen C1 as it was being driven from York towards Easingwold is also asked to get in touch.

Email [email protected] or call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for Robert Oliver.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Quote the North Yorkshire Police reference number 12230085988.