Video has been released of a Northfield burglar’s desperate attempt to plough through traffic to escape capture by police.
Martin Tolan was wanted over the theft of a series of high-end cars across the Midlands.
The 28-year-old, from Central Avenue, was behind the wheel of a Mini stolen from Binley Close in Solihull when it was spotted by police at traffic lights on the Bristol Road on April 12th.
He shunted several cars before officers surrounded the vehicle and smashed the window before pulling him out.
https://youtu.be/Jp4ost7ln6E
Tolan was also linked to burglaries in Marlbrook in Bromsgrove but was released on bail while enquiries continued – before being arrested once more on May 23rd after three more burglaries.
But a property he targeted on Nuthurst Road in Northfield belonged to a CCTV engineer who was able to provide high-definition footage of Tolan breaking in a 2.30am on May 18th, just half-an-hour after stealing a Nissan Qashqai from outside a house on Bartley Crescent.
He was also with a group who struck at Cofton Park Drive in Rednal on May 23rd before making off in a Mercedes C-Class and an Audi A5.
Tolan was arrested after a wrench left at one of the raids matched his DNA. He admitted multiple burglaries, dangerous driving, handling stolen goods and theft at Birmingham Crown Court and was jailed for a total of nine years and 11 months.
Detective Sergeant Toni Holl said: “Residents can sleep more soundly knowing Tolan is behind bars – we have proved he was responsible for at least five burglaries but it’s suspected he was linked to more.
“Several of his victims were woken to find him intruding in their homes while others only found their cars gone in the morning.
“No-one was injured but I’m glad the court has recognised the prolific nature of Tolan’s offending, plus the psychological impact burglary can have on victims, and jailed him for a long time.”