A Toyota Allion stolen from former police inspector Trevor Young in a daylight theft on Tuesday has been recovered in Scotts Hill with its licence plates removed.

The vehicle was abandoned after being driven away from the corner of Herberts and All Saints Roads, where Young had briefly stepped out to make a purchase while the engine was still running.

Surveillance footage captured a man entering the car and speeding off as Young shouted in an attempt to stop him.

Young later said he normally prioritizes security and described the incident as the only time he had let his guard down.