BOVEY Tracey woman Bridget Arnold, the owner of a car that was entered just minutes after the driver got out, has asked that the offender gets help.
Mrs Arnold's partner Andy Wiltshire parked the white Ford Mondeo on the drive at their home in Ashburton Close, Bovey Tracey.
Mr Wiltshire, spotted someone in the car as he came out from the garage.
The 47-year-old shouted to the young offender as he fled the property. Mr Wiltshire gave chase, finally catching up and prodding the offender with a spirit level, but failed to detain the thief.
The detachable front of a car stereo and CDs with a total value of £205 was stolen.
Some smashed CDs have been recovered in a nearby lane.
Owner of the vehicle, Bridget Arnold, said 'It's sad because this kid is in difficulty, he is having problems and there is no one looking out for him.
'Society is not coping with boys like this.'
Mrs Arnold, a resident in Bovey Tracey for 17 years, said that the family had been victim to petty theft in the past.
'Bovey Tracey needs to wake its ideas up and stop thinking that this is a quiet little town with no problems.
'The young people are bored, there is little help available to them. It is a sad state.'
The thief is described as white, male, 6ft tall, 17 to18- years-old, thin, short blond hair and a pale complexion. He was wearing a beige top and dark trousers.
Anyone with information should contact police on 08705 777444 or Crimestoppers 0800 555111