Cars taken by 'test drive thieves'

11:32am Tuesday 15th April 2008

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Police have today issued a warning to people trying to sell their cars to be cautious if potential buyers ask to take the vehicle for a test drive.

There have been two incidents in the county where people have stolen the cars while on a test drive. There has been a third incident in north london and police are linking them all.

The first Hertfordshire incident was at 5.57pm on Saturday, April 12, in Nash Mills near Hemel Hempstead.

The car, a silver Honda Civic, had been advertised for sale in a motoring magazine.

Two men and two women came to view the vehicle and while pretending to look the car over, asked the owner to start the engine.

With the bonnet still open, the first suspect then jumped into the driver's seat and drove off at speed along Lower Road.

The other suspects made off in the same direction, possibly in a blue VW Golf.

The Honda was later used to steal a quantity of petrol from a Jet Service Station in Luton Road, Harpenden, later that day.

The second incident occurred the following day - at around 12.30pm on Sunday, April 13.

The owner of a black Volkswagen Golf had advertised it for sale and was contacted by a couple who came to see it in Luna Place, St Albans.

They asked if they could take it for a test drive then jumped in the vehicle and made off at speed, turning right onto Hatfield Road, going towards Hatfield.

Detective Constable Georgina Fenge said: "If you have any information at all about these crimes, please contact me on 01727 796352.

"Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."