Teen caught after 150mph police chase linked to burglaries and car thefts in Essex and Beds
High-speed chase ends with shocking haul
Patrick Clark, 18, was arrested on 24 March after a stolen Audi S5 he was driving refused to stop for police on the A414 in St Alban’s, Hertfordshire. The chase saw speeds rocket past 150mph before officers finally brought the vehicle to a halt. Inside the car, police found face coverings, an axe, cannabis, and gloves – all clues that soon linked Clark to a series of burglaries in 1 and Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.
Burglary rampage across Essex and Bedfordshire
Further investigation by Essex and Bedfordshire detectives connected Clark to multiple attempted burglaries and thefts stretching from Harlow to Epping, also hitting Potton and Sandy in Bedfordshire. Clark, from Roundfield Avenue, 1, Hertfordshire, admitted conspiring to burgle 13 properties and stealing four cars, alongside aggravated vehicle-taking and shoplifting alcohol. His spree spanned February and March this year.
Jail time and driving ban for prolific offender
- Sentenced at Luton Crown Court on 7 December
- 32 months for conspiracy to burgle 13 homes
- 12 months concurrent for stealing four cars – including the Audi S5, Jaguar XF R Sport, Mercedes GLA 200 and Ford Focus
- 12 months concurrent for aggravated vehicle taking
- One month concurrent for theft of £100 alcohol
- Disqualified from driving for two years and seven months, plus extended driving test required
No evidence was offered against a dangerous driving charge, but Clark’s licence was also endorsed for driving without insurance. He was ordered to pay a victim surcharge.
Cops vow to tackle burglary with swift justice
“We are committed to getting justice for burglary victims because we understand how having your home broken into can affect people,” said PC Adam Drane of Harlow CID.
“Clark is a prolific offender and caused fear and misery to many people through his acquisitive actions.”
“Thanks to fast joint investigations with Bedfordshire Police, Clark was quickly linked to many offences and had no choice but to admit them in court.”
“I urge anyone burgled to report it immediately so we can act fast and catch offenders.”
DC Kevin Howes from Bedfordshire Police said: “Tackling burglary is a top priority here. Our burglary squad works tirelessly to secure convictions and show communities these crimes won’t be tolerated.”
Detective Superintendent Bonnie Moore, Essex Police’s burglary lead, added: “Burglaries deeply affect victims’ wellbeing and safety. We attend all recent burglary reports to maximise evidence gathering.”
“Simple protection measures like good CCTV, alarm systems and high-quality locks can help stop burglars. Visit www.essex.police.uk/cp for advice.”
