Lateral thinking by a Kingston Police Community Support Office helped recover a morning TV presenter's car two weeks after it was stolen in Balham.

GMTV presenter and former British tennis player Andrew Castle reported his Jaguar XF stolen from outside his house on January 6, but did not expect to ever see it again.

However, Norbiton PSCO Graham Brown spotted a car that looked out of place on his usual foot patrol in the Waters Square area last Thursday, and checked to see if it was stolen.

And the TV star said he was delighted to be told the car was his.

“I was a bit shocked by the phone call from police as I never expected the car would be found," he said.

"I was quickly told that it had been found and it had not been damaged at all. My day just got brighter.

“Safer Neighbourhood PCSO’s have proved their worth as far as I am concerned. This time they have helped me. They really are the eyes and ears on the street and they are very valuable; I’ve got my car back, next time they might stop someone’s house being broken into, or someone else’s car being stolen. I’d like to thank them for all their continuing efforts at making our streets safer.”

PSCO Brown said: “I was on my beat when I noticed a vehicle that seemed very out of place. I am very familiar with the area and cars in that road and this one just stood out. I conducted checks and found out that he had been reported as stolen.

“I contacted the victim and told them I had found their car. I waited with the vehicle and short while later the victim arrived to collect it. I immediately recognised him as Andrew Castle and he was very pleased that I had found his car.”

Police said the investigation into the theft was ongoing.