Harry Potter’s Famous Ford Anglia Stolen – Thief Caught After CCTV Tip-Offs
A pale blue Ford Anglia, a dead ringer for the Weasleys’ car from the Harry Potter films, was nabbed from a garage in Walmer back in October 2019. The culprit? 37-year-old Richard Matthews.
Bold Theft Caught on CCTV
Just before midday on Thursday, 17 October 2019, Matthews hopped off a train in Walmer and made a beeline for the garages on Station Drive. Without hesitation, he stole the iconic car and drove off.
But he didn’t get far. Members of the public spotted a scruffy-looking man acting suspiciously near the scene and reported it after a Kent Police appeal. CCTV footage helped pin Matthews as the thief.
Thief Arrested and Jailed
Matthews was arrested in November 2019 and charged with burglary. He later pleaded guilty at Canterbury Crown Court on 26 March 2021 and was sentenced to 22 months behind bars.
“Like all burglars, Matthews showed little respect for other people’s property, taking what didn’t belong to him, for his own selfish reasons,” said PC Katie Clarke, Dover Victim Based Crime Team.
“Since his arrest, Matthews hasn’t revealed where the car is – a bitter blow for the victim who spent hours restoring and customising it. I hope Matthews thinks about the impact of his actions.”
“Thanks to everyone who came forward with info to help catch this thief.”
