Man on test drive stole car, say police

Police have charged a man with allegedly stealing a car from a dealership after taking it for a test drive.

Police allege the 33-year-old from Cape Burney went to Drennan O’Malley Motors on Chapman Road, Geraldton, last week and took a Toyota GXL Landcruiser for a 20-minute test drive.

It is alleged he failed to return the vehicle and when it was reported stolen to police he phoned the car yard and told them he needed someone to meet him at his home.

When the employee arrived, the man allegedly told him the car had been “jacked” from him while driving on Pages Beach.

He then allegedly attended Geraldton police station for questioning, made an excuse to leave and never returned, and was subsequently arrested.

He has been charged with stealing and no authority to drive.

He will face Geraldton Magistrate’s Court on January 7.