Burglary Bandit Crashes Stolen Audi and Ditches Car in Dagenham Chase
Lewis Thomas, 22, from Milner Road, Dagenham, pleaded guilty to a spree of crimes including two residential burglaries in Rainham, dangerous driving, and aggravated vehicle theft. On Wednesday, 24 March, Snaresbrook Crown Court sentenced him to four years behind bars and slapped a four-year driving ban.
High-Speed Police Chase Ends in Tree Crash
Thomas’ crime spree hit a climax on 20 January when officers from the East Roads Policing Team spotted the stolen Audi he was driving in Havering. What followed was a nail-biting pursuit, with the car hurtling at speeds up to 70mph, mounting the central reservation, and careering on the wrong side of the road. The chase ended when Thomas crashed into a tree and bolted on foot into a nearby ravine.
Despite his desperate escape attempt, Thomas was tracked down hiding under a bridge, thanks to the combined efforts of local officers and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter.
Evidence Links Thomas to Multiple Burglaries
Police found stolen clothing, ID documents, and other loot at two addresses linked to Thomas. These items stitched him firmly to two Rainham burglaries, confirming him as a prolific offender.
Inspector Taz Ghani of the Met’s Road Traffic and Policing Command said, “Burglary leaves victims feeling violated and distressed. Our officers, backed by NPAS, worked tirelessly to lock Thomas away, hopefully sparing future victims.”
Thomas’ Sentence Breakdown
- Two counts of residential burglary — 4 years’ imprisonment
- Dangerous driving — 12 months concurrent + 4 years driving ban
- Aggravated taking and driving away — 12 months concurrent + 4 years driving ban
- No separate penalty for no insurance or driving without a license
