Northfleet test drive car thief is wanted by police (From News Shopper)

Northfleet test drive car thief is wanted by police

10:14am Friday 1st March 2013 in News By Tim MacFarlan, Bexley and north Kent reporter

A MAN alleged to have stolen a car from a garage in Northfleet is wanted for several similar thefts.

It is claimed the offender, who identified himself only as Ian, made off with a green BMW on February 23 having taken it out for a test drive from the garage in Dover Road.

The car triggered automatic number plate recognition cameras in Medway on Tuesday (February 26) and was found to have been sold on.

The wanted man has been described as white, aged between 55 and 65, about 6ft 1in tall, of slim build, with short grey hair and a Scottish accent.

He is also wanted in connection with a similar theft from a garage in Gillingham on February 20, and several other car thefts in the southern counties.

Detective Constable Lorraine Morgan of Kent Police, said: "We would urge car salesmen to be extra vigilant when allowing prospective buyers to test drive cars.

"Ensure that they do not go out alone and, if possible, take a form of identification from them.

"This man appears to have committed other similar offences and is good at putting people at ease and seemingly trustworthy."

The offender has been described as a white man, aged between 55 and 65, about 6ft 1ins tall, slim build, with short grey hair and a Scottish accent.

If you have information or recognise this man, call DC Lorraine Morgan on 101, quoting reference XY/5803/13.