A car thief was caught by police after his stolen vehicle broke down just 20 minutes after he drove off with it.
Marek Novikovs, 20, stole the Honda Civic from outside an address on Hilton Place, Aberdeen, in the middle of the night but he didn’t get far.
The vehicle was immediately reported stolen and officers wasted no time in tracing it on Mugiemoss Road, with Novikovs still inside.
Fiscal depute Nicole Lewis told Aberdeen Sheriff Court the owner of the car had parked it outside their address on October 9 2020.
Thief ‘stated he had broken down’
She said: “The following morning at 3am, a neighbour was awoken by the sound of loud revving coming from the vehicle.”
When residents looked outside they noticed the vehicle was gone and contacted the police.
Ms Lewis said: “Police observed the vehicle at 3.20am stopped on a carriageway appearing to be broken down.
“Officers spoke to the accused who stated he had broken down.
“Checks confirmed he did not have insurance and, as it was reported stolen shortly prior, he was cautioned and arrested.”
Novikovs, of Hayton Road, Aberdeen, pled guilty to theft of a vehicle and driving without insurance.
Sheriff Morag McLaughlin deferred sentence for reports.
Defence agent Andrew Ormiston reserved mitigation until the sentencing hearing.
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