A handcuffed prisoner allegedly managed to steal a police patrol car in Brisbane’s inner city this morning - and then drove it to the northern suburbs.
Police said that about 10.45am a break and enter suspect, Mark Robert Nolan, 29, was detained by two detectives, handcuffed and placed in the rear of the unmarked police vehicle in Leichhardt St, Spring Hill.
While the officers were searching a bag behind the car he allegedly got into the front of the vehicle and drove off. The car was found 45 minutes later in the northern suburb of Stafford.
Nolan is not considered dangerous, but members of the public are advised not to approach him.
Deputy Commissioner Ian Stewart told a media conference the keys had been left in the car, and the circumstances of the theft of the vehicle would be investigated.
"This matter is of concern to us, and we will be undertaking a thorough investigation of all the circumstances in Mr Nolan being able to drive away in the police car," he said.
The two detectives were "reasonably experienced" officers, Chief Superintendent Ross Barnett told reporters.
Mr Stewart said it was the second time a police vehicle has been stolen in Queensland, with the first offence happening "some time ago".
Unmarked police vehicles in Queensland did not have dividers between the rear and front seats, he said.
Nolan could still be handcuffed, with police yet to locate the handcuffs that were placed on Nolan at the time of the arrest.
He is described as caucasian with a slim build, 178cm tall, with brown hair. He was wearing a blue polo shirt and camouflage shorts at the time of the offence.
Anyone who sees Nolan is advised not to approach him, and to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
[Handcuffed Car via News.com.au]
