Car Crook Caught Red-Handed with Stolen Motors and Cocaine
Robert Thompson, 35, from Church Road, Hove, has been nailed for receiving stolen goods, using fake number plates, and possession of Class A drug cocaine. Officers from the Specialist Enforcement Unit (SEU) arrested him on January 13.
Stolen Range Rover and Fake Plates
On January 6, 2021, Thompson was caught driving a black Range Rover Velar with false plates. The luxury ride was stolen from a property in West Drayton in December 2020. GPS data from Thompson’s phone placed him in West Drayton on the day of the theft. The fake number plates he used had links to another stolen vehicle from Hove in August 2020.
More Stolen Vehicles and Drugs Found at Home
After being released under investigation, a year later, on January 13, 2022, police discovered a stolen Citroen Nemo van with forged plates parked outside Thompson’s home. A search turned up the van’s keys and a stash of cocaine. Thompson was promptly arrested and charged.
DNA and fingerprint evidence also connected him to a stolen BMW from Worthing (June 2020) and a Range Rover taken from Lancing the same year. All stolen vehicles combined were valued at over £75,000.
Guilty Plea and Upcoming Sentence
At Lewes Crown Court on February 14, Thompson pleaded guilty to receiving stolen goods and using fraudulent registration marks. He admitted possession of cocaine on January 15. His sentencing is set for March 17, with the court to be confirmed.
“Robert Thompson has a proven track record of vehicle theft over a number of years, which has had a significant impact on his victims,” said DS Tom Duffy, the investigating officer.
“This conviction is down to incredible teamwork from SEU and Response officers, as well as investigators who linked Thompson to offences spanning more than two years. I thank the victims and everyone involved for helping bring him to justice.”
