Three people have been arrested and two stolen vehicles recovered in two incidents yesterday as ACT Policing officers continue to target car thieves. 

In the first incident, about 7am yesterday, Wednesday 17 August, a Ford Falcon that was left running in a garage for 90 seconds was stolen from a Theodore residence.  

A person who was aware the vehicle had been stolen later located the Falcon in Narrabundah and notified police. The driver of the vehicle was held at the location until police arrived.

A 27-year-old currently before the court for other offences was arrested and charged with: take motor vehicle without consent, possession of stolen property, refuse to provide a sample of oral fluid, drive while disqualified, and fail to appear in court.   

In the second incident, a Toyota Hilux stolen on the night of Monday 15 August was recorded on CCTV yesterday morning not paying for petrol at a service station in Hawker.

Police engaged the Hilux twice during the day before being located at a residential complex in Wanniassa at about 6.20pm.  

Officers deployed stop-sticks and parked their vehicle near the stolen Hilux. The driver of the Hilux has allegedly driven over the deflation device and deliberately rammed the police vehicle.  

Officers then arrested the two occupants of the Hilux.  

A 30-year-old man, who was on bail at the time for other offences, was charged with ride/drive motor vehicle without consent, drive at police, damage a police vehicle, possess a prohibited substance, breach of bail and theft.  

A 34-year-old man was charged with ride/drive in a motor vehicle without consent, and possess stolen property. 

All men are scheduled to appear in the ACT Magistrates Court where police will oppose bail. 

ACT Policing has established a taskforce targeting high-risk driving behaviours and stolen vehicles which are often used by perpetrators to commit other crimes such as burglaries and assaults. 

Anyone who witnesses theft, dangerous driving or suspicious behaviour is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. 

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