A stolen motorcycle has been recovered and a suspect arrested following a foot chase by police in a North East town with the help of a drone.

Shortly after 9.30pm on Wednesday, January 24, officers located a stolen motorcycle on St Johns Green in North Shields.

A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: "The motorcycle was believed to have been stolen from Meadow Well on Friday, January 19, and police received reports of several sightings in the intervening days.

"One such instance on Tuesday, January 23, was captured by one our force’s drones over Waterville Road.

"Upon discovering the stolen motorcycle, the officers gave chase to the offender on foot and successfully detained the driver, with assistance from an eye in the sky.

"The male, aged 14, was arrested and has since been bailed for referral to the Youth Justice Service."

The seizure follows the launch of a new force-wide crackdown on motorcycle criminality called Operation Capio – as officers urge the public to report nuisance riders and share information.The Northern Echo:

Sgt James Younas, of Northumbria Police said: “This is a fantastic example of old-fashioned policing from our frontline officers where we’ve managed to chase down a suspect and recover a bike that is believed to have been stolen.

“Not only was the bike suspected to have been stolen, but the male was riding in an anti-social manner which we know is of a concern to the community.

“We will continue to do all we can identify those causing harm in the community, and to seize and return any stolen motorcycles.

“Please help us to help you by continuing to report anything suspicious at the earliest opportunity, and to share as much detail as possible to help us identify those involved.”The Northern Echo:

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “This arrest has it all – fast policing response, useful intel fed in from the public and drone technology supporting the chase.

“Tackling motorbike disorder is a top priority for us here in the North East. It’s not just the nuisance behaviour; it can be incredibly dangerous. It can lead to people getting hurt, or worse.

 

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“This is just one of many successes I have been updated on since investing significant resources into Operation Capio. My office secured Safer Streets funding to allow for this dedicated activity and Northumbria Police is now delivering the results.”

This latest activity also took place during national Neighbourhood Policing Week - as we celebrated the work of our neighbourhood officers.

Anyone with concerns or information about anti-social motorcycle use should contact Northumbria Police via the ‘Report’ tool of our website, or by calling 101.

In an emergency, or where a crime is taking place, always dial 999.