Spate of motorbike thefts in Plymouth

We are appealing for your help as part of an ongoing investigation into a large spate of motorcycle and moped thefts across Plymouth.

Inspector Tim Hinde said: “A number of reports made to us in recent weeks, which we believe is linked to a social media craze of teenagers filming themselves stealing and dumping vehicles.

“These incidents are predominantly taking place between 2am and 4am, and those responsible are reported to be around 14-17 years old.

“Some vehicles have been recovered to their owners, and we have interviewed several teenagers in relation to these reports and continue to work with the Youth Justice teams to pursue these cases.”

Insp Hinde continued: “To those committing these offences, they are not victimless crimes. Consider the people impacted by your actions. Taking someone’s vehicle can have a significant impact on their livelihood, ability to get to work, to support themselves and their families to name but a few, all for the sake of some social media likes?!’

“There are areas where the community can assist us and we’d urge for support to help us collectively tackle this issue.

“Information is being shared and discussed on social media groups but for us to act and pursue the information it needs to be reported to us – if you have information that may assist our investigation, please report it directly to us.

“Members of the public have also started taking action of their own. We urge you to leave this to police and not put yourself or others in danger or at risk of committing criminal offences. We understand the frustration and the desire to see justice but can reassure you that we are pursuing this matter.

“We also need support from victims to provide statements and information to aid our investigation.

“If you have a vehicle of any kind, please take suitable measures to secure it, leave it out of sight if possible and keep an eye out for any suspicious behaviour near your property.

"If you have any kind of CCTV camera footage, doorcam footage or any information or description of potential suspects, then please do not wait to be contacted - contact the police and it will assist us.

“Call us on 999 if you see any suspicious behaviour or a crime in progress.”