A video shows the moment a man was arrested in Stratford after stealing shoes worth £23,000.
Michael Tremarco, 35, took the 23 pairs of valuable shoes from a lorry before driving off without a license or insurance.
The man from Essex was caught up with by officers in London and on May 27 was sent to jail.
Investigating officer, PC Natalie Newfield, said: “This was clearly an organised crime that was executed swiftly during the hours of darkness.
“Fortunately, a security guard alerted Kent Police, and officers were able to catch up with the offender in London, when he probably thought he was safe from being arrested.”
On April 11, a security guard at the Medway Services on the M2 saw a person loitering near a curtain-sided lorry.
A short time later a man was seen to run to another lorry which drove off.
On checking the target vehicle, the side appeared to have been damaged and the driver, who had been sleeping, confirmed there had been a theft.
The police were alerted, and patrols were deployed towards London where they tracked down and stopped the lorry in Cadogan Terrace, Stratford.
The driver quickly moved to the passenger seat where he was arrested.
The officers located 23 boxes of stolen shoes worth almost £23,000.
Michael Tremarco, of St Agnes Drive, Canvey Island, Essex, was later charged with theft, driving without insurance and driving otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
The 35-year-old pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced to one year and nine months’ imprisonment.
PC Natalie Newfield added: “This should serve as a warning to those who decide to travel into this county to commit crime.
“You will be pursued back across the border, tracked down and ultimately brought to justice.”
