A WOMAN discovered a crook right in the act of stealing her car.

A manhunt played out in search for the crook following the incident in Vange earlier this week.

The Essex Operational Support Group (OSG) along with the Basildon Policing Team were called out to the area following the desperate plea from the woman who had approached her car to find the man trying to break in.

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The group said that despite efforts from the crook, they managed to track him down and arrest him.

A spokesman said: "The team have arrested a man in Vange after a car owner disturbed him attempting to steal her car.

"Despite running away and giving false details, we have worked out who he is and now have him in custody."

The incident happened on Monday.