Google Street View helps spot car theft suspect

A caravan owner whose vehicle was stolen succeeded in spotting a suspect while looking at his house on Google Street View.

The image shows a large, bald man with spectacles standing besides a 4-by-4 vehicle parked on the victim's driveway, shortly before the theft took place.

Derbyshire Police have issued the snapshot in an attempt to trace the man.

The white Abbey Adventura caravan was towed away by the thief from Cauldwell Road, Linton, Derbys, between 9.30 am and 2 pm on June 5 2009, reports The Telegraph.

The owner, who has not been named, believes the Google image may have been taken shortly before the theft. The 4-by-4 vehicle was backed into the private drive, and was parked yards from the caravan, with a side and rear door open.

The registration plate of the suspect's car was blurred when the homeowner spotted the image in March this year.

Police were unable to find clues after the theft of the vehicle, costing around 7,000 pounds. Despite a forensic examination of the wheel-clamps that had been securing the caravan, the culprit was never traced.

PC Adrian Mason, who is investigating the crime, said the victim had not recognized the man or the dark green Vauxhall seen on Street View.

"It is amazing that we have such a clear image of a man who we think will be able to give us information. It was an amazing coincidence that the Google car was passing at that time," he said.

"I've made extensive inquiries since the image was discovered but because the registration plate of the vehicle is blanked out, we have been unable to trace the man through his car. That is why we are appealing for the public's help," he said.