Teen Burglar Leo Munns Caught After High-Speed Chase
Leo Munns, 19, was on the run after a string of burglaries in Essex. He struck homes in Rosewood Close, Colchester on February 16, then hit Chalks Road and Yew Close in Witham on February 21 and 22. His loot? Several cars, including a BMW, all stolen from these targeted houses.
Police Chase at 120mph Ends in Foot Pursuit
Officers spotted Munns driving the stolen BMW in Benfleet on February 26. When they tried to stop him, he sped off along the A13 heading towards London, hitting speeds up to 120mph. Police deployed a stinger to stop the vehicle, but Munns bailed and ran off towards Dagenham.
Smoke and Mirrors: Stolen Cars and False Plates
The BMW was stolen during the Chalks Road burglary and was sporting false number plates. Munns left his mobile phone behind in the car. Forensic detectives found texts on the phone discussing the BMW and an Audi stolen from Yew Close. Phone records placed Munns at the crime scenes when the burglaries happened.
Sentenced to Three Years and Out for the Count Behind the Wheel
Munns was finally arrested on March 19 during a roads policing crackdown. At Basildon Crown Court on September 14, he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to burgle, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified, and driving without insurance. The court hit him with a three-year detention and training order and banned him from driving for four years and nine months.
Detective Constable Gemma White of Braintree CID said:
“Munns had no regard for the distress he caused the victims of his crimes and thought he could get away from police. He was wrong, and the strength of the evidence meant he had no option but to admit the offences in court.”
