WORK by Thurrock's Neighbourhood Policing Team has ensured a car thief, who admitted stealing 11 vehicles worth more than £310,000, has been jailed for nearly four years.

Officers managed to link Southend man Jayden Hussain to vehicle thefts in Basildon, Thurrock, Southend and Leigh-on-Sea between May and July this year.

Hussain, 31, was arrested on 2 July this year after driving a car, stolen from Leigh that day. Met Police officers made the arrest after he was spotted driving the wrong way down the A12. He dumped the car and attempted to run across a field to get away from officers.

When a search was carried out of his home address in Guildford Road, Southend, officers seized clothing which matched those in the CCTV of other theft offences.

Officers from Thurrock investigating Hussain were able to link him to a series of other thefts as part of investigation.

He was later charged with was charged with conspiracy to steal a motor vehicle, aggravated vehicle taking and dangerous driving, driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence, and driving without insurance.

Hussain admitted the offences and at Southend Crown Court on Friday, 12 September he was sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison and banned from driving for three years and 11 months.

He'll also be required to do an extended retest.

In total he admitted to stealing 11 vehicles worth a total of more than £310,000.

Investigating officer Sergeant Lyndsey Chapman, from Thurrock's Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We know the impact having your vehicle stolen can have.

"One victim in this case was left feeling unsafe in their own home because their car had been stolen from their drive.

"Another, who is very unwell, was unable to attend hospital appointments.

"These vehicles were their owners' pride and joy and essential for being able to go about their daily lives.

"It's not just a car that is stolen - it's your independence, your source of income, and your lifeline to your community and wellbeing.

"It's why we take this offence really seriously and we're working hard to prevent it and bring those responsible to justice.

"In the last year there've been nearly 600 fewer vehicle thefts, a drop of 10 percent, while we've doubled the number of cases solved.

"Your Neighbourhood Policing Teams are working hard focussing on the issues that matter the most to you, being visible in your area, and getting results for victims of crime."