South Yorkshire Burglar Caught After Police Follow Footprints in Snow

A burglar led police on a high-speed chase... and he was eventually caught hiding in someone's backyard after officers followed his footsteps in the snow to track him down.

High-Speed Chase Ends in Arrest

A burglar who tried to outrun the law in a stolen car was ultimately no match for fresh snowfall, which led officers straight to his hiding spot.

Josh Mansfield, 25, broke into a home in Bessacarr, South Yorkshire, in January 2024, stealing a set of keys before making off in the homeowner’s BMW. But his escape was short-lived—police spotted the stolen vehicle just minutes later, triggering a high-speed chase through the streets.

Pursuit Reaches Dangerous Speeds

Mansfield, already disqualified from driving, sped through the area at up to 80 mph before losing control and crashing into railings on White Rose Way. Rather than surrendering, he attempted to flee on foot.
However, his escape plan had a major flaw—snow had blanketed the ground, leaving a clear trail for pursuing officers. They followed his footprints through the neighborhood, leading them directly to a back garden where he was attempting to hide.

Swift Justice Delivered

Mansfield, of no fixed address, was arrested within 35 minutes of the burglary. He later pleaded guilty to burglary, vehicle theft, dangerous driving, and driving without insurance or a valid license. On February 3, he was sentenced to three and a half years in prison.

Detective Inspector Mark Nicholson-Gee of South Yorkshire Police praised the officers’ quick actions, stating:
"People deserve to feel safe in their homes, and Mansfield shattered that sense of security for his own gain. His reckless driving could have caused serious harm, but thanks to the swift response of my colleagues, he was quickly brought to justice."