Car thief caught out by distinctive tattoo

Reece Woodthorpe was involved in stealing Range Rovers, and was pictured driving one of the stolen vehicles

A car thief who was identified by his distinctive hand tattoo has been jailed for his role in stealing more than £500,000 worth of luxury vehicles.

An image of Reece Woodthorpe driving one of the stolen vehicles was found on a phone seized by police, and equipment to enable keyless thefts was discovered at his home.

The 24-year-old, formerly of Wolverhampton, admitted conspiring with others to dishonestly undertake in the theft of vehicles, having initially denied the charges, said West Midlands Police.

Woodthorpe, of Birmingham, was sentenced to four years, seven months in prison at Birmingham Crown Court on 16 May.

Woodthorpe's hand tattoo helped police identify him

At least eight Range Rovers were stolen across the West Midlands using the device found down the sofa at his home.

Police believe Woodthorpe played a "leading role in orchestrating and enabling" numerous car thefts, and admitted offences between 3 November 2021 and 19 May 2022.

Det Con Amy Miller said: "This was a sophisticated operation with Woodthorpe playing a key part in its organisation.

"He was vital in providing the equipment to others in order for them to steal high value vehicles from their rightful owners."