A ram-raider drove at police to retrieve the safe he had stolen before racing through the streets of Aberdeen to get away.
Martin Youngson targeted a string of businesses in Peterhead and Aberdeen, using a stolen Mitsubishi Shogun to force his way in when necessary.
After dumping the car in a residential street in Dyce, the 30-year-old – who already has a lifelong driving ban – realised the safe was still in the boot and went back for it.
Undeterred by the police who had arrived at the scene, Youngson drove at high speed towards the officers and forced them to jump into a garden.
He then mounted pavements and verges, overtook a bin lorry and bus when it was unsafe and forced other motorists to take evasive action.
At the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday, Youngson admitted helping to steal the Shogun.
He and 19-year-old Jordan Buchan also admitted breaking into Car Clinic in Charlotte Street, Peterhead and stealing tools; breaking into Cut Cost Carpets in the town’s Maiden Street and trying to steal vans; and trying to break into a joinery business in Charlotte Street.
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Youngson also admitted stealing a safe from a business in the Murcar Commerical Park in Aberdeen – though the court heard the owner believed it was empty.
The crimes happened on February 1 last year.
Following the thefts, Youngson dumped the Mitsubishi in Glenhome Gardens, Dyce before driving off with others in a Volkswagen Golf.
Advocate depute David Taylor told the court officers went behind the Shogun but the Golf performed a sharp U-turn and drove back at them again after mounting a pavement, forcing the officers to retreat into a garden.
Youngson and his accomplices then grabbed the safe from the Mitsubishi before fleeing.
Mr Taylor said at one stage the Golf was seen travelling on a rutted, potholed track at four times the speed locals suggested should be used.
The car, which was being driven without registration plates, also drove through a red light at speed and onto a grass verge to pass a bin lorry and overtake a bus.
Mr Taylor said: “Police received numerous phone calls from members of the public regarding the driving of the Golf.”
Youngson was later detained by police at an address in the Garthdee area of Aberdeen.
Judge Lord Kinclaven deferred sentence on Youngson, of Ross Crescent, Aberdeen, and Buchan, of Maidencraig Place, Aberdeen, for background reports. The case will call next month at the High Court in Glasgow.
Youngson – who also admitted driving dangerously and driving towards PCs Justine Hanlon and Andrew Ross at speed, driving while disqualified and without insurance – was remanded in custody.