Teenager arrested amid police operation to recover stolen motorbikes
The police helicopter was brought out to help a pursuit last night (7 September)
A teenager has been arrested - and is in custody - after police stopped a motorbike which they believed to have been stolen from Bath.
At about 7pm yesterday (September 7), the force were called out after receiving various reports from members of the public about a group of motorcyclists trying to steal motorbikes in the city.
Called out to help the force was the National Police Air Service helicopter, whilst officers on the ground were deployed to track a suspected stolen motorbike with rider and pillion passenger.
They then deployed a police stinger device, when it was safe for them to do so, over on Bristol's Clouds Hill Road, about an hour later.
One person was detained nearby following a search involving a police dog handler.
A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, theft of a motor vehicle and failing to stop for police.
A black Honda motorbike PCX125, reported stolen from Laura Place, Bath, on Thursday, has been recovered.
Seperately, officers responded to a call reporting the theft of a Yamaha XSR 700 motorbike which had been left secured on Queens Road, Clifton on Thursday.
This motorbike was tracked to Fishponds and recovered, and the force's investigation continues.
Avon and Somerset Police say they have seen a 'troubling' rise in the numbers of motorbike theft in recent weeks, and the associated use of motorbikes in an antisocial manner.
If you see someone acting suspiciously around any sort of motorbike or moped, you are urged to call 999 immediately.
If you have any other information which could help us tackle the problem, ring 101, or report through their website.
Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously by calling 0800 555 111, or online.