A 24-year-old from Feltham has been jailed for five years for attempted knifepoint robbery among a string of other offences.
Gary Williams, of St Marys Drive, also tried to steal two cars - driving a third into the river - and was sentenced on May 22 at Isleworth Crown Court.
He was found guilty of non-residential burglary, aggravated vehicle taking, attempted knifepoint robbery, attempted theft of a vehicle, criminal damage, driving without a licence and driving without insurance, according to a police statement.
On December 3 last year, Williams trespassed onto Mogden Lane Sewage Works' car park in Isleworth where he started one of the cars, reversed out, and drove 30m before plunging into the river and damaging the vehicle.
He ran to nearby Oak Lane, and approached a taxi driver who had just dropped off a passenger, police said.
The driver, who was not allowed to pick up passengers without a booking first, refused to drive Williams to Hounslow.
An angry Williams pulled out a kitchen knife and threatened to stab the driver if he did not get out of his taxi. The driver got out of his car and ran to the other side of the road and called the police.
Failing to steal the taxi, Williams ran to Weavers Close, and attempted to steal a parked car, breaking the front passenger side window but failed to start it up.
Back on the run, this time towards the industrial estate on Fleming Way, officers spotted him soaking wet, matching the description given by witnesses.
He was arrested and later charged with seven offences.
A fingerprint matching those of Williams was found on one the vehicles.
Detective Constable Lee booker, from Hounslow police, said: "Thanks to the fast response of local officers and their teamwork, a dangerous individual was quickly arrested.
"It is very satisfying to know that Williams is off our streets and that he will be serving a lengthy custodial sentence for his actions."
