A crook has been locked up after nicking nearly £23,000 worth of designer kicks from a lorry at a motorway service station – only to be nabbed in a slick police sting in Stratford, East London.
Security Cam Snaps Swift Arrest
A security camera captured 35-year-old Michael Tremarco from Canvey Island, Essex, as Kent Police tracked him down following the bold night-time heist at Medway Services on the M2 motorway.
Organised Lorry Theft Hits the Night
The drama kicked off in the early hours of 11 April 2025. A vigilant security guard spotted someone loitering near a curtain-sided lorry. Moments later, the suspect was seen legging it to another lorry which sped off.
- Side of the original lorry was damaged.
- Sleeping driver confirmed theft.
- A whopping 23 boxes of shoes, worth £22,970, stolen.
Police Chase Ends in Stratford Bust
Kent Police scrambled patrols towards London. Cops stopped the suspect lorry on Cadogan Terrace in Stratford, where the driver tried to swap places with a passenger before being caught red-handed.
Tremarco was driving without a licence or insurance. He now faces charges of theft, driving without insurance, and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
Judge Hands Down the Hammer
At Maidstone Crown Court on 27 May, Tremarco pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a solid one year and nine months behind bars.
Cop’s Warning to Criminals
PC Natalie Newfield, investigating officer, said: “This was clearly organised crime executed swiftly under cover of darkness. Thanks to a sharp security guard, Kent Police caught the offender in London when he likely thought he was home free. Let this be a warning to all criminals – if you come here to commit crime, we will hunt you down and bring you to justice.”
