An officer was on route to a meeting at the town’s police station when his vehicle registered a tracker activation for a stolen BMW at about 11am yesterday.

Following a short search to pinpoint the signal, a blue BMW M5 was found parked in Roman Way at the top of High Street.

Checks revealed it had been stolen with the keys during a burglary at an address in Chester the previous day.

Police Constable Paul Frank, who found the car, said it was common for offenders stealing high-value vehicles to leave them parked up somewhere for a day or so afterwards.

“A lot of expensive cars have tracker devices fitted these days and thieves will leave them parked up in an innocuous location for 24 hours or so to check,” he said.

“The BMW has been recovered for forensic examination and its owner informed that it has been found.”

PC Frank also appealed for anyone who might have seen persons parking the vehicle or hanging around it since it appeared, probably sometime during Monday, to contact police.

“I also urge any residents who might notice an unfamiliar vehicle has suddenly appeared in their street, especially one of high value, to be vigilant to anyone acting suspiciously or ‘hanging around’,” he added.

“If you have any concerns about a vehicle, contact police on 0300 333 3000, who can check the registered keeper details to ensure everything is in order.”

Anyone with information about the stolen BMW is asked to contact police on 0300 333 3000 or the anonymous Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.