Car thief behind bars

A prolific burglar and car thief is now off the streets thanks to the relentless work of Surrey officers.

Bradley Austin, (DOB: 8.06.05) was sentenced at Guildford Crown Court on Monday (13 November) to three years behind bars and disqualified from driving for three and a half years, after he pleaded guilty to one burglary, two attempted burglaries, one theft of motor vehicle, two counts of receiving stolen goods, two counts of driving without a licence and two counts of driving without insurance.

His offending started on 6 March 2023 when an Audi Q7 was stolen from a property in West Byfleet. This was later found parked outside an address linked to Austin. Social media video from the same time showed Austin driving a vehicle matching the description of the stolen Audi.

Officers were called following reports of a silver VW Golf being stolen from a property in Chobham during the early hours of Thursday, 5 October. The vehicle was seen by police the next day with Austin spotted in the passenger seat. There was a pursuit during which the car was abandoned.

With Austin still outstanding, officers carried out proactive patrols in the area in an attempt to locate him over the following days. On Monday, 9 October, Austin was seen driving a vehicle at the Gordon Boys roundabout. He was followed on to the M3 where traffic officers brought it to a stop.

Austin was arrested on suspicion of burglary, suspicion of drug drive, along with driving with no insurance or license.

Officer in charge of the case, Detective Constable Richard Ashton, said: “It is reassuring to the victims and the wider community that this prolific offender is now off the streets. Austin has repeatedly tormented the residents of Woking and Chobham for too long. This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated, and we will continue to work tirelessly to protect our communities.”