Woman found thief trying to steal her car

A housebreaker who tried to steal his victim’s car has been given a chance to turn his life around.

Stephen Mckenzie was caught when the quick-thinking female alerted police despite the shock of finding the intruder at her home.

Mckenzie, 33, of Calderwood Avenue, Blantyre, appeared from custody at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.

He admitted breaking into a house in Auchinraith Road, Blantyre, and attempting to steal the occupant’s car on August 5.

Mckenzie also admitted stealing clothing from a washing line and threatening or abusive behaviour towards police officers.

The court heard the woman was wakened by a noise around 3.20am and found signs of a disturbance in the kitchen.

Mairi-clare Mcmillan, prosecuting, stated:“she heard a vehicle’s engine and went outside to find a male in the driver’s seat of her car.

“She called the police and officers arrived around 3.30. The car’s headlights were on and the engine was revving.

“The accused claimed he was going to move the vehicle for his girlfriend.

“He was arrested and bags containing bottles of alcohol, a sat nav, sunglasses, a battery charger and face masks were recovered.

“Another bag contained clothing that had been taken from the washing line next door.

“Mckenzie then shouted and swore at the police officers, adding‘do you know who I am? I’ll find you’.”

Mckenzie, who admitted previous convictions, was the subject of a supervision order at the time of the break-in.

His lawyer said drink and drug abuse is at the root of his offending.

Sheriff Thomas Millar imposed an 18-month supervision order.

He told Mckenzie, who had been in custody since his arrest in August:“this might be of use when you are released. There have been difficulties (with supervision) in the past, so it’s up to you.”