A FURIOUS driver claims police told him “to go and recover his own car” after it was stolen from outside his Leigh home. 

Daniel Needham, 34, has lodged an official complaint with both Essex Police and the Met Police claiming the forces “failed to act” and put him in danger by suggesting he recover the car himself. 

The car, a Toyota Rav 4, was stolen from outside his Leigh home in “just four minutes” at roughly 1am. 

Using the car’s tracker, he discovered the car was parked in Romford. 

He claims Essex Police told him it would fall under the responsibility of the Met Police because the car was in London, and that the Met told him “to collect it himself”.

Essex Police have confirmed an official complaint has been received and that the theft is being investigated. 

Daniel said: “It simply might not have been safe, particularly as I was with my two young children. I also believed the car to be unsafe to drive”

He added: “I dialled 999 and was quite rudely told it was not an emergency, and I should hang up and keep the line available for ‘real emergencies’.”

Echo: Thieves broke in via the front wheel arch.Thieves broke in via the front wheel arch. (Image: Daniel Needham)

After attempting to contact the Met Police several times, Daniel claims he was told: “It is your car, go and get it.”

Daniel did not feel safe doing so, particularly as he was with his two children at the time.

He said: “I didn’t know what state the car was in. I asked if they would recommend a 96-year-old woman goes to collect their car from a location where crime has clearly been committed.

“I had no information on what the car had or could have been used for. The whole situation was a stressful and mentally straining ordeal.”

Following Daniel’s complaint, an Essex Police spokesman said: “As with any complaint made to us, all potential learnings which are identified as part of a review will be implemented without delay. 

“We take reports of stolen vehicles in Essex extremely seriously and they are assessed using the information provided to us at the time. We will remain in contact with the complainant in this case throughout the process.”

A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police declined to comment, adding: “As the offence happened in Essex, it will be for them to advise.”