East London Car Thieves Slam Cop Cars in High-Speed Getaway
Three men who stole luxury cars across east London and rammed police vehicles to escape justice have finally been locked up. The trio, involved in stealing 16 high-value motors between April and October 2019, all pleaded guilty at Wood Green Crown Court on 3 December 2019.
Three Men Slammed With Jail Time
- Astin Cockley, 20, from Lonsdale Close, E6 – slapped with three years in a young offenders’ institute for conspiracy to steal, dangerous driving, driving without a licence or insurance. He’s banned from getting behind the wheel for two years.
- John Philpott, 19, of Sibley Grove, E12 – also jailed for three years for conspiracy to steal and driving offences. Two-year driving ban also imposed.
- Kyron Roberts, 21, from Rush Green Road, RM7 – handed two years and nine months for conspiracy to steal, plus six months for a separate burglary offence in Hertfordshire from 2018, making his total sentence three years and three months.
High-Speed Chase Ends with Crash and Arrests
The gang was caught after a dramatic police chase on 4 September 2019. Their stolen Audi SQ5 refused to stop in East Ham, racing at 80mph down Wilson Road. When a bus blocked their path near Benson Avenue, the Audi rammed a police vehicle before speeding off. The chase ended when the car crashed into a wall near Proton Tower, Blackwall Way. The trio fled on foot but were nabbed shortly after.
Officers identified them as the occupants of the stolen vehicle linked to multiple thefts.
CCTV and Forensics Crush Car Crime Ring
Following their arrest, the suspects were released but remained under investigation. CCTV footage, forensic evidence, and phone data nailed them to more offences, revealing they worked as a gang. A notable heist saw them steal a white Range Rover on 25 June 2019, caught on camera as the owner heard his car being driven away.
The victim tracked the vehicle live, leading officers to an industrial estate in E16. When police moved in, the gang rammed the stolen Range Rover into officers’ cars before fleeing.
On 4 November 2019, warrants led police to re-arrest the men at their homes, seizing clothing linking them to the crimes.
Police Warn Public: Don’t Underestimate Our Resolve
PC Grace Turner, Central East Crime Squad, said: “These men went on a rampage stealing top cars, especially Range Rover Evoques, recklessly speeding and showing zero regard for public safety. They even rammed police vehicles to escape. Thankfully, no one was seriously hurt.”
“We’ve returned the stolen vehicles to their rightful owners. This case sends a strong message: if you think you can outrun police, think again. We’ll use every tool to catch you and put you before the courts.”
Protect Your Car From Key Cloning and Theft
- Park in well-lit areas
- Always lock your vehicle and double-check the doors
- Use steering locks or keep your car garaged
- Don’t rely solely on factory electronic security
- Consider lock shields and marking schemes
- Install a tracking device to boost recovery chances
- Use Faraday bags for keyless entry keys to block signal theft
- Secure house doors and keep car keys out of sight to prevent burglaries
