A 28-year-old Cypriot man stole a car in front of its owner in Chloraka, then led police on a chase that ended when the vehicle crashed in Tremithousa.
The 30-year-old owner had parked outside a car dealership to meet a friend who runs the business, for coffee. He left his keys in the ignition, sitting within arm’s reach of the vehicle. A stranger then got into the car, started it, and drove off.
After the initial shock, the owner and the dealership owner set off in pursuit in another car, while calling police. The thief drove dangerously, overtaking on blind spots and running red lights, until the car collided with another vehicle in Tremithousa and came to a stop.
A police patrol that had been following the stolen car arrested the driver, with help from members of the public who had witnessed the chase. He was identified as a 28-year-old Cypriot man already known to police for similar offences.
The case was registered today for a hearing at Paphos District Court.
