Burglar Caught After Stealing Car and Crashing It in Nottingham
A brazen intruder has been jailed for four years after breaking into two homes on the same street in Broxtowe, Nottinghamshire. The 43-year-old thief sparked chaos when he stole a car right under a mum’s nose – then crashed it moments later in a reckless stunt.
Break-In Drama on Eltham Drive
The drama unfolded on 4 March 2020. The burglar first forced his way into a house, where a resident quickly told him to “get out of my house.” Not deterred, he then slipped into a second property nearby. A mother inside heard the front door open, and her daughter caught sight of their car being stolen from the driveway.
High-Speed Crash and Police Arrest
Within half an hour, the stolen vehicle smashed into another car on Midland Way. Reports say the thief attempted a dangerous overtake on the wrong side of the road, causing the collision. Police stopped the car shortly after on the A60 in Nottingham, arrested the driver for dangerous driving, and found a hammer and pliers inside the vehicle.
Man Jailed and Banned from Driving
Les Shilton, from Withern Road in Aspley, was charged with burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, driving without insurance, driving whilst disqualified, and failing to supply a sample. On Monday, 4 January 2021, he was sentenced to four years in prison and banned from driving for four and a half years at Nottingham Crown Court.
“We’d like to praise the victim who stayed calm during a terrifying incident and reported the crime quickly,” said Detective Constable Natalia Montano, who led the investigation. “The court result is positive, and we’re relieved no one was hurt during the burglary and subsequent dangerous driving.”
“Thanks to local CCTV, officers quickly identified Shilton entering the two homes and matched his clothing when he was detained soon after.”
“Burglary devastates victims and communities, leaving people frightened in their own homes. Nottinghamshire Police remain committed to tackling burglary with dedicated teams across the city and county to bring offenders to justice.”
