The pair would target the cars in the middle of the night, entering through their victims’ front doors to gain access to the vehicles’ keys.
On Sunday, the 27th of August 2023, at around 3.30am, police were called after a BMW was found crashed in undergrowth off Young Street in Leatherhead. The vehicle had been stolen just ten minutes earlier from an address in Bookham.
The owner was able to track the vehicle’s movements using a mobile phone application linked to the car’s telematics system. The keys had been taken from inside the property, along with the victim’s handbag, during the burglary.
At the same time, a second victim contacted police to report that their Audi A1 had been stolen after suspects entered their home via the front door and took the car keys.
Officers carried out enquiries in the area, and using ANPR technology, located the stolen Audi travelling in the nearby area heading towards Givons Grove. When officers attempted to engage, the vehicle made off at speed onto the A24 Leatherhead Bypass towards the Beaverbrook roundabout.
The vehicle continued towards Junction 9 of the M25, where officers from the Roads Policing Unit picked up the Audi and a pursuit was authorised. The vehicle exited onto Kingston Road, where it came to a stop and the occupants decamped and made off on foot.
A short time later, officers arrested Knight as he walked along the pavement near a petrol station.
A Dog Unit was deployed to search the area and quickly located the second suspect, Francis, who was found hiding behind pallets in an industrial yard. A black balaclava was also recovered from nearby bushes, and Francis was found to be in possession of black gloves.
Both men were arrested on suspicion of burglary, failing to stop and dangerous driving.
33-year-olds Matthew Francis and George Knight have been handed 37 months each behind bars.
Investigating officer PC Scruby said:
“This was a targeted series of burglaries carried out in the early hours, with offenders entering homes while victims were asleep to steal car keys and vehicles.
“Thanks to a combination of swift reporting, vehicle tracking technology and coordinated police work, including the use of ANPR and our dog unit, we were able to quickly locate the suspects and bring them into custody.
“Burglary is an invasive crime which can have a lasting impact on victims and communities, and we hope this result provides some reassurance that we will act quickly and robustly to investigate and arrest offenders.
“We would encourage residents to ensure doors and windows are secure and to keep keys, including car keys, out of sight and away from entry points. Simple steps like these can help reduce the risk of opportunistic burglary.”
