Thief strikes as driver cleans Range Rover

EFIT picture of the man police are hunting

THIS is a police e-fit of an opportunist thief who stole a £50,000 Range Rover Sport while the owner was cleaning it on Saturday morning.

At about 11.30am, the 49-year-old motorist parked up at the Acorn Business Centre, Barry Street, Derker.

He cleaned the vehicle (registration 1LKW) and, as he was leaving, got out briefly, leaving the keys in the ignition.

He then spotted the raider getting into his car and tried to wrestle him out of the driver’s seat but couldn’t prevent him speeding off along Barry Street.

The robber is described as mixed race, about 6ft tall, in his mid to late 30s, with short black curly hair and of medium build. The bridge of his nose was quite flat and he was wearing a black suede jacket.

PC Rick Whiting said: “This was an opportunistic strike by a man out for what he can get. We warn people not to leave their keys in the ignition with the engine running. It can present easy pickings for thieves.

“We have yet to recover the vehicle, but it is distinctive and should stick in people’s minds.

“It is black with half-black, half-chrome wing mirrors, a step running down both sides, a sunroof and has a drop-down TV/DVD player.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161-856 1164 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555 111.