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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding cycle theft, which some members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. Officers from St Katherine’s & Wapping and Whitechapel were on patrol around Shadwell Basin and through the quiet paths of Wapping Woods when something unusual caught their eye — a drone circling overhead, cutting across the evening sky.
Sensing something wasn’t quite right, officers followed its path, moving swiftly through the area. As they drew closer, they spotted a set of garages with doors ajar and suspicious activity unfolding nearby. The man operating the drone was arrested at the scene.
The location was secured, and outside the garages officers discovered a stolen vehicle — a £50,000 vehicle taken from Brighton — now safely recovered and set to be returned to its rightful owner.
Further searches and forensic work led to the discovery and seizure of numerous pedal bikes, e bikes and a moped, each now part of an ongoing investigation. The bikes are being checked against national databases and recent reports to help identify their owners.
This is a timely reminder of how important it is to mark your bikes and record full details. Registration helps officers reunite property with victims and strengthens investigations. Bike Register is a simple, effective online platform that allows you to log your bikes securely.
Officers will be working with our fantastic PCSOs to organise a community bike marking day soon — a chance for residents to protect their property and pick up security advice.
Residents are also encouraged to remain vigilant. If you see something that feels unusual, out of place, or suspicious, please report it. Even small bits of information can help officers connect the dots. Check your garages, outbuildings and storage areas regularly and let us know if anything doesn’t look right.
Further updates will be shared as the investigation develops.
 If you ever experience this issue or have information regarding an incident, please report it using our online reporting tools at https://www.met.police.uk/, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101. Get Involved Please consider getting involved and contribute to the local priority survey, we may be unaware of issues that you would like us to focus on. Take a few minutes to securely and privately register and have your say using the button below, this will mean we can focus on things that matter to you. 
Please click here to complete the survey
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