A 36-year-old Dickson man, found early this morning in a stolen van in Mitchell, will appear before the ACT Magistrates Court this afternoon (August 15) charged with multiple property offences and drive while unlicensed.

Early this morning members of Gungahlin Patrol were driving on Flemington Road, Mitchell when suspicions were aroused in relation to a Mazda van with ACT registration plates parked on the side of the road.

Police spoke to the driver of the vehicle who informed them that the vehicle had run out of fuel.

A short time later a second person arrived with fuel.

While police were talking to the second person the driver started his van and drove away ignoring police directions to stop.

Police followed the van onto Wells Station Road, Mitchell where the driver stopped and was apprehended.

Checks on the van identified it to be stolen along with other items including ACT registration plates. The alleged offender has not held a drivers licence since September 2013.

The 36-year-old Dickson man was arrested and conveyed to the ACT Watch House where he has been charged with ride/drive motor vehicle without consent, unlawful possession of stolen property and unlicensed driver. He is expected to face the ACT Magistrates court this afternoon and bail will be opposed.