A stolen vehicle has been recovered in Harrow after a police officer noticed a car that appeared to have been left unattended for some time.
The vehicle was spotted parked in Harrow covered in tree sap and with a parking ticket displayed.
Police said the officer carried out checks after becoming suspicious about the car.
False number plates found on vehicle
Checks on the registration plates showed they were not linked to a registered keeper, insurance or vehicle tax.
Further enquiries found that the plates were false and that the vehicle had been reported stolen from Enfield within the previous two weeks while its owner was at work.
Officers then searched the vehicle and found the genuine registration plates hidden inside, allowing them to confirm its identity and arrange for it to be recovered.
Personal belongings also recovered
Police contacted the owner to tell her that the vehicle had been found.
Several valuable personal possessions which had been left inside the car when it was stolen were also recovered.
Police said the owner had believed both the vehicle and her belongings were gone for good.
Arrangements have since been made for the car and its contents to be returned to her.
Sergeant Rob Exworthy, of the South Harrow Tasking Team, said: “This was an excellent piece of proactive policing and a great example of the difference that attention to detail can make. Our officer recognised that something didn’t look right and took the time to investigate further, ultimately securing a fantastic outcome for a victim of crime.
“Knowing that someone has been reunited with both their vehicle and cherished possessions makes this result particularly rewarding, and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to protecting the communities we serve.”
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