A MAN has been arrested after a car that was up for sale was stolen by a person posing as an interested buyer. 

The incident occurred just before 9pm on Tuesday, March 16, outside of a property on Maple Gardens, Totton. 

A BMW was up for sale and was being viewed by a prospective buyer.

They asked the owner to start the engine and soon after the car being fired up, the vehicle was stolen from the property. 

Officers from Hampshire Constabulary’s ARV unit, supported by response and patrol officers, located a silver BMW which was seen following the stolen vehicle after fleeing the scene.

They took a proactive approach and attended the registered owners home address of the BMW and located both vehicle outside the property. 

A 20-year-old man from Southampton was arrested on suspicion of taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent. 

He remains in custody at this time.