Google Street View helps spot car theft suspect

The image shows a large, bald man with spectacles standing besides a 4X4 vehicle parked on the victim’s driveway, shortly before the theft took place. Derbyshire Police have issued the snapshot in an attempt to trace the man.

The white Abbey Adventura caravan was towed away by the thief from Cauldwell Road, Linton, Derbys, between 9.30 am  and 2 pm on June 5 last year, reports the Telegraph.
The owner believes the Google image may have been taken shortly before the theft. The 4X4 vehicle was backed into the private drive, and was parked yards from the caravan, with a side and rear door open.

The registration plate of the suspect’s car was blurred when the homeowner spotted the image in March this year.

The police were unable to find clues after the theft of the vehicle, costing around £7,000. Despite a forensic examination of the wheel-clamps that had been securing the caravan, the culprit was never traced.

P C Adrian Mason, who is investigating the crime, said the victim had not recognised the man or the dark green Vauxhall seen on Street View.

“It is amazing that we have such a clear image of a man who we think will be able to give us information. It was an amazing coincidence that the Google car was passing at that time,” he said. “I have made extensive inquiries since the image was discovered but as the registration plate of the vehicle is blanked out, we have been unable to trace the man through his car. That is why we are appealing for the public help,” he said.