Acting Sergeant Stuart Fairley said police visited homes of his “associates” inquiring about the accused after finding the property in the car.
The officer said the alleged offender (17) later handed himself in.
He is accused of stealing a black Landrover in an Alkimos burglary on October 15.
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Police officers saw the car about 2.30pm in Joondalup the next day and tried to speak with the driver, but the teenager allegedly drove the vehicle up a verge and fled.
“The car was seen near Gnangara Pine Plantation… bogged next to Old Yanchep Road,” Acting Sgt Fairely said.
“The driver had allegedly fled on foot.”
Police charged the Wembley boy on October 17 with vehicle theft, two thefts, dangerous driving and two counts of driving without a licence.
He is due to face Joondalup Children’s Court on November 1.