Recently, Greater Manchester Police shared dash cam footage that shows a pursuit of a stolen car with an elderly woman in the car. The video is now available to the public, as is the 999 call initial alerting the authorities to the situation. In the call, the car’s owner can be heard pleading with the operator to quickly come to her aid. The woman’s 89-year-old mother was still in the vehicle and has dementia. She had left the engine running while she ran into a nearby store, worried about keeping her mother warm in the frigid January weather.
David Stephenson, 51 years old and without a permanent address, has been convicted of the crimes. He was found guilty of kidnapping, stealing a motor vehicle, driving without a license, and dangerous driving. As of this week, Stephenson has been sentenced to eight years and six months in jail.
This incident highlights the very real dangers of leaving a vehicle unattended, even for just a few minutes. This problem has been ongoing, resulting in theft not only from the vehicle, but in some cases the entire car being stolen, as in this instance. While it is unfortunate that such an event happened at all, it is somewhat comforting that the thief was caught and convicted. It’s crucial to remember that when we leave people and possessions behind, it is imperative that we take steps to ensure their safety. This includes things like locking vehicles properly and taking valuables with you. Though it may seem a little troublesome in the moment, the additional peace of mind is worth the effort.
In conclusion, this case serves as a significant reminder about the consequences that can stem from leaving unattended vehicles running. Every day, there are countless instances of theft that can be easily avoided by taking the necessary precautions to protect oneself against such incidents. It’s a crucial lesson to keep in mind not just for one’s own benefit, but also in the interest of the vulnerable people and possessions we may be leaving behind
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More