Owner re-united with Toyota Prius just hours after thieves took it from his driveway

The owner of a Toyota Prius was re-united with his car within hours of it being stolen from his driveway. Police swooped following the theft in Bolton during the early hours of Sunday.

The stolen car was spotted heading south towards Bolton town centre and police arrested four suspects. The car has now been returned to the owner.

The drama started when the car was stolen from the driveway of a home on Waterside Gardens in Bolton during the early hours of Sunday (February 11).

Try MEN Premium now for FREE... just click here to give it a go

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) say they received a call from the victim to say his keys had been stolen and three men had returned and were subsequently trying to steal his car.

Response officers from Bolton 'quickly identified the stolen vehicle as it made its way towards the town centre', according to GMP.

"A short time later, the car was stopped and the three men on board were detained and heading to custody where they currently remain," said the force.

A fourth man, who was later identified to have been involved in this incident, was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods.

Following the incident, Inspector Wayne Warner said: "I am really happy to be able to give the victim of this crime the keys back to his car. Vehicle crime is one of Bolton’s biggest areas of concern and we are doing all we can to try and eradicate this from the town.

“The force has a number of ongoing operations to stop thieves in their tracks and progress is being made across the whole of Greater Manchester.

“If you have a keyless entry car, please keep your keys in your property and well away from your parking space, consider purchasing a Faraday Pouch or steering wheel lock – which is proven to