An alleged car thief has got more than he bargained for after stealing a brand new vehicle from a car carrier at a Gateshead dealership.
Police say around 1.30am on Friday the man got hold of the keys to a Toyota utility which was on the carrier in Arnhem Close behind Charlestown Toyota on the Pacific Highway.
However, the vehicle had been placed in standby mode at the factory, meaning it could only be driven at very low speed.
Police spotted the ute and followed it to Scenic Drive Merewether where they arrested a 29-year-old man.
He's been refused bail to face Toronto Local Court today.
