Two cars taken for joyrides in 48 hours

Wednesday, 4 March 2026 12:00

Two cars were taken and driven away in Jersey last weekend, as police continue to warn motorists against leaving keys in parked vehicles.

A black Toyota Icon Estate (J127405) and a blue Mini Cooper both went missing between 2 and 3 March, and were found a distance from where the owners left them.

Both vehicles were stolen with keys, having being left unsecured.

The Toyota was significantly damaged between it going missing at 5.30 pm on 2 March from Langtry Gardens and being found at midday on 3 March in the area of Rue a La Dame.

The Mini Cooper was left in a private space near Pier Road in St Helier at 5 pm on 3 March, and was found in St Martin in the early hours of 4 March.

Police are asking for information, including CCTV or dashcam footage.

The forces says it has seen 'too many cars being taken since the beginning of the year', referring to this as a TADA - 'Taking and Driving Away'.

In 2025, 53 vehicles were taken, all of which were insecure or had keys left inside or nearby. 10 have been taken so far this year, mostly by group of young people going on night-time joyrides.

Last month, Jersey Police warned islanders of such occurrences. In a social media post, it said:

"Although 85% of vehicle thefts occur in St Helier and St Saviour, stolen vehicles are often driven across the island, making this an island‑wide issue."

It warned islanders not leave their vehicles unlocked or with the keys nearby, and said officers would be taking keys found in any vehicle left unlocked.

Operation Handle is the police operation it launched to 'reduce vehicle crime, disrupt repeat youth offending, and prevent a serious tragedy on the island’s roads'.

Plain-clothed officers are patrolling hotspots.

In one night last month officers found 19 vehicles unlocked and accessible - three vehicles had keys inside.

Anyone with any information should call 612612, through the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.