Colchester Rottweiler scares off cowardly car crook

In CCTV imagery sent to the Gazette, a hooded figure is seen entering a private driveway in Spurgeon Street, Colchester, at about 3.15am on Tuesday.

After brazenly trying the door handles on two of the four vehicles in shot, the would-be criminal soon becomes startled before sprinting away from the scene.

Matt Thomas, 36, who has lived in the area since early 2017, became aware of the attempted break-ins shortly after awaking to feed his eight-week-old baby.

Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

After reviewing his security camera footage, he soon realised the crook had been spooked by the bark of his four-year-old rescue rottweiler Nika.

Mr Thomas, who lives with his partner and mother-in-law, said: “On the front part of the drive we have stones.

“Nika must have heard something, so she barked a few times and I was just about to let her out, but when I looked outside there was nobody there.

“She is a real family dog and she is lovely, but if anyone comes on our turf she tends to let us know about it.”

According to Mr Thomas, this is not the first time someone has tried to gain access to cars in the driveway and the fear is next time they may look to steal a vehicle.

The father, who works in security, has now published the CCTV footage on social media with a view of warning others in the area to be extra vigilant.

Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

“Exactly the same thing happened a couple of years ago, so I need to get the gates fixed because it is frustrating,” he added.

“They are just chancers trying to get into vehicles but we have a couple of new cars so we are worried they might come back and take them – that is the concern.

“It has always happened and there is always going to be some bad eggs, so I just want to make other people aware.”