A MECHANIC has criticised police after an investigation into his stolen car was closed just hours after it was taken.

Waltham Forest Police vowed to do everything possible to tackle a recent spike in vehicle crime in Chingford, but Ben Theakestone feels let down after officers quickly emailed him within hours to say they had stopped investigating the theft of his silver Ford Fiesta from his girlfriend’s driveway.

He found the car missing from outside Samantha Pearson’s house in Walmer Close, Chingford, at 7.20am last Thursday.

Mr Theakestone then discovered a cab driver, who had earlier picked up his girlfriend’s mother from the house, had seen a man drive off in the car at 5.55am.

But despite reporting this to police, they emailed Mr Theakestone at around 5pm on the same day to notify him the case had been closed due to a lack of information.

The 19-year-old, of Fencepiece Road in Chigwell, said: "I’m really annoyed and I feel massively let down. Their investigation is a joke. I’m too young to rent a car and my courtesy car only lasts two weeks so after that I’m stuffed.

He added that he bought the vehicle brand new for £10,000 last year, but will now have to buy a cheap second-hand one.

"I’m out of pocket now with Christmas approaching," he said. "I don’t even know if they interviewed the witness."

He now fears his insurance costs will rise because of the theft.

Vehicle offences have risen dramatically from 12 in September to 49 across October and November in Chingford Green ward alone, with a borough average of 16.

Records show 17 motor vehicle crimes – including thefts from and of vehicles - were committed in October, with a further 32 offences occurring last month.

PC Darren Brand told households police were doing "everything possible" to catch those responsible.

A police spokesman said: "A decision has been made not to screen in this crime . Screening decisions are determined according to whether they are detectable or not.

"In this instance there is no CCTV , witnesses or forensic opportunities at this time. If further information comes to light we can review this screening decision."