Man jailed after stealing takeaway driver’s car

A man has been jailed after he stole a takeaway driver’s car and was apprehended by members of the public in Stoke-on-Trent.

Ben Walker, 39, of no-fixed-address, waited for his opportunity to steal a Ford Focus when a delivery driver left the car running on Murhall Street on 18 June last year. 

Whilst the driver was taking meals to people’s doors, Walker got in the front seat and started trying to drive away. The driver came back, tried to stop Walker, and was carried at the side of the car when it drove down the road. 

The car collided with several other parked cars on the street before it came to a stop. Walker tried to run away after it happened but was stopped by members of the public who then called us about the incident.

Thankfully, the driver who managed to stop Walker wasn’t seriously injured.

Walker was taken into custody and charged with the offences.

He pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing and was sentenced to one year in prison at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court on Wednesday (24 January) for aggravated vehicle taking and assault thereby occasioning actual bodily harm.

PC Rose Whewall, who dealt with the case, said: “Walker’s actions were reckless and could have resulted in serious injury.

“I’d like to thank those at the scene who helped to apprehend him and for their assistance in helping us stop another person intent on stealing from our communities.

“I’d also like to take this opportunity to remind delivery drivers of the risks involved in keeping your vehicles running whilst they are unattended. If you’re taking goods to people’s doors, make sure your vehicle is turned off, locked, and the keys are secure.”

We are continuing to target vehicle thieves up and down the county as part of our Operation Bormus initiative.

To read more about the work we’ve been doing, visit: More than 60 arrests made as officers continue vehicle theft clampdown | Staffordshire Police