Update: Thief locked up after stealing van while worker was still inside

A thief has been jailed after he stole a work van while the worker was still inside and then drove off at speed.

The victim was working in the back of his van when he heard someone get in the driver’s seat.

Within seconds the van was moving and the worker had to jump out of the side door, causing pain to his leg. 

His tools spilled out onto the road, narrowly missing other vehicles, as the thief – 36-year-old William Roe – sped off.

Roe was caught on CCTV scoping out the van before he stole it from Victoria Square, Worksop, shortly before 2.45pm on 22 February 2024.

He went on to drive the van dangerously, overtaking at speed and going the wrong side of keep left bollards, putting other road users and pedestrians at risk.

The van was found a few minutes later in Waverley Way. 

Following inquiries, including trawling through CCTV footage, police tracked down and arrested Roe and he was duly charged. 

Roe, of Cavendish Road, Worksop, appeared at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on Friday (19 April 2024). 

He pleaded guilty to theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, criminal damage, and possession of the Class B drug Mamba. 

Roe also pleaded guilty to a charge of robbery. This related to when he entered a store in Memorial Avenue, Worksop, on 15 March 2022, took bottles of vodka and threatened staff when they challenged him before he left without making payment. 

Roe was jailed for three years. He was also banned from driving for three-and-a-half years and must pass an extended driving test before he is eligible to drive again.  

Inspector Hayley Crawford, District Commander for Bassetlaw, said: “Roe has an extensive history of targeting vehicles for theft and showed a blatant disregard for the law and people’s safety by committing these offences, so I’m pleased we’ve now been able to remove him from our streets.

"Information from the public plays a really important role in helping us to locate those responsible for offences like vehicle crime, as well as vehicles which have been stolen.

“I would urge anyone with any information about crime in their area to get in contact with us. Your knowledge could help us identify more criminals blighting our communities and bring them to justice.”