A car was spotted within minutes of it being reported stolen and the alleged thief arrested overnight.
Just before 2am on Tuesday 5 October, a man reported his Toyota Hilux stolen from out the front of his Mile End home.
Two minutes later, a member of the public rang to report a vehicle driving erratically on Anzac Highway, Glandore and provided a registration matching the stolen ute.
The ute was immediately spotted by a patrol speeding on Diagonal Road, Sturt. It failed to stop for the patrol and turned on to Seacombe Road. The car wasn’t pursued, but patrols flooded the area.
It was again sighted on Bradley Grove, Mitchell Park, when a large tool box fell from the tray onto the roadway, and police were able to get a good look at the driver.
About 2.10am, the vehicle was found abandoned in Malcolm Avenue, Marion and police called in Police Dog Judge to search for the driver.
PD Judge allegedly tracked the suspect north towards the railway line and a man matching the description of the driver was seen by a patrol near the Marion Railway Station and arrested.
The 22-year-old Findon man was charged with illegal use, theft and breach of bail. He was refused police bail and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court today.
The ute was towed from the scene for forensic examination. The car keys, personal belongings and tool box were also recovered by police and returned to the vehicle.
