Owner left stunned as pair steal car they went to buy in Mildmay Grove South

Published: 29 October, 2010
by TERRY MESSENGER

THIEVES drove off with a £6,500 car after posing as potential buyers – leaving the stunned owner standing at the kerb-side.

The woman victim watched helplessly as they fled with her silver Audi S3 hatchback.

The two suspects answered an advert in Auto Trader online placed by the woman’s partner.

She agreed to meet them at a street in Islington so they could look over the vehicle with a view to buying.

They duped her into handing over the keys and letting them get into the car after they told her they wanted to check it over.

The woman’s partner was away when the theft took place at Mildmay Grove South.

Police this week issued e-fit pictures of the two men suspected of the crime which took place on Tuesday September 14 at 8.50pm.

They drove off towards Newington Green. Police said they were of Asian appearance with London accents.

One of them is described as being 5ft 7, of slim build, aged around 20 to 25. He had short hair and was ­wearing a quilted smart jacket.

The second man is described as also being around 5ft 7, with short brown hair. He was wearing a slim, dark jacket and black-rimmed glasses. 

He told the victim that his name was “Jason” and that he was from Muswell Hill.

Anyone with information on the identity of the two suspects or the whereabouts of the car should contact Detective Con­stable James How­arth on 020 7421 0150 or call Crimestoppers anon­y­mously on 0800 555 111.

Following the theft, police are urging car sellers to always check the identity of the people viewing it, to have another person present when showing the vehicle, arrange the viewing during daylight and in a busy place where pos­sible, and to never leave the keys in the ignition or give the keys to the viewers.  

Sellers should also always accompany the viewer on any test drive and ensure that the they have a pre-known route for the viewer to take.