The car was found in Kokoszki, a district of nearby Gdańsk, part of the metropolitan area known as the Tricity, which includes Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia.
“This is a partial success for the police,” said Karina Kamińska, spokeswoman for police in Gdańsk.
She said investigators are now focused on identifying and detaining the perpetrator.
A forensic team secured traces at the scene, and the investigation is under a prosecutor’s supervision, as required for such cases in Poland.
Officers decided to tow the vehicle to a secure lot.
Police sources described a common criminal tactic in car thefts in which a stolen vehicle is left to “cool off,” meaning it is parked under the gang's discreet observation for several hours to check whether law enforcement is watching before thieves move it to a final hideout or a workshop.
The theft raises security questions because the prime minister’s private residence is under constant protection by the State Protection Service (SOP), which guards top officials and their families.
According to police sources cited by local media, the incident could prompt internal consequences for that service.
One officer suggested the case did not have to involve bold criminals, while adding that investigators cannot exclude an attempt by foreign intelligence services to signal that the prime minister was being watched.
Those claims have not been substantiated.
Lexus cars are frequently targets for organized theft rings in Poland, along with Toyota and a number of other Japanese marques.
Experts say the appeal lies in how few parts are factory marked, which makes it easier for criminals to dismantle the vehicles and sell components on the black market.
Overall the number of stolen cars in Poland has been steadily falling over the last decade.
(rt/gs)
Source: PAP, IAR