Toowoomba car thief Keith Brian Reber jailed after stolen car’s tyres were spiked

A car thief attempted to hide from a police dog in a hedge while high on meth after he was hunted down following the successful deployment of a tyre deflation device, a court has been told.

A Toowoomba car thief has been sentenced to a 12 month jail term after spending more than 100 days in custody.

Toowoomba Magistrates Court was told Keith Brian Reber was arrested by Toowoomba police’s dog squad in August after officers successfully stopped a stolen car.

Police prosecutor Anita Page said after the vehicle’s tyres were spiked, the 23-year-old fled on foot but was quickly tracked to an impromptu hiding spot inside a garden hedge.

The Wilsonton Heights man was on parole at the time.

Keith Brian Reber appeared at Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Monday, December 18, via video link where he pleaded guilty to a number a car theft related crimes.

Later when questioned by police, Ms Page said Reber told officers he had no memory of the incident due to methamphetamine intoxication.

The court also was told that in June 2022, Reber broke into a police compound for impounded vehicles, which forensic analysis of DNA recently linked Reber to the dated crime.

At Toowoomba Magistrates Court on Monday, December 18, Reber pleaded guilty to numerous charges which included two counts of unlawfully using a car, obstructing police, possessing stolen car keys, trespassing in yards, and failing to appear in court.

He was sentenced to a 12 month jail term, which will run concurrently with a pre-existing nine month jail term imposed by a Goondiwindi magistrate earlier in the year.

The 119 days Reber spent in presentence custody was declared as time served.

Reber can now apply for parole, and the court was told once released, he intended to move from Toowoomba to assist his sobriety and work prospects.

Originally published as Toowoomba car thief Keith Brian Reber jailed after stolen car’s tyres were spiked