Three arrests have been made in connection with nuisance moped-riding and vehicle thefts in Herne Bay and Whitstable.
In response to reports regarding antisocial and dangerous riding, as well as thefts, patrols have been carried out in the two towns to disrupt and identify those responsible.
On Saturday 12 October 2024, officers responded to reports of mopeds riding in the area which left in the direction of Mole Hill Road in Whitstable.
During a search to locate them, patrols found a moped parked up in Herne Bay with the engine running. Two people near the moped left the scene as officers approached them. Following a short chase on foot and a search involving a police dog, a 14-year-old boy from Herne Bay was stopped by officers. A bag containing tools was also recovered in the area. Enquiries confirmed the moped had been reported stolen two days earlier from Herne Bay.
The boy was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and going equipped to steal. He has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
In the early hours of Sunday 13 October a moped failed to stop for officers when requested to do so near Borstal Hill in Whitstable. The moped, which had no number plates, was seen again in Radfall Road, where officers contained the area and the vehicle came to a stop.
Two 14-year-old boys from Herne Bay were arrested: one on suspicion of handling stolen goods, dangerous driving, and possession of cannabis. The second boy was arrested on suspicion of theft of a moped, failing to stop when requested to do so, and dangerous driving. He was further arrested on suspicion of causing damage to a custody cell. They have both been released on bail pending further investigation.
Taking action against vehicle crime
Sergeant Jonathan Sheehan said:
‘We are taking this opportunity to ask moped and motorbike owners to ensure they are taking all the precautions necessary to help reduce the risk of vehicle theft.‘If anyone sees people acting suspiciously around mopeds or vehicles, report it to Kent Police via our website, or call 999 if a crime is in progress.‘We ask residents to be vigilant and note down any registration numbers of vehicles they see causing a nuisance, as it will assist police with enquiries into the issue.‘Arrests are being made and anyone seen by officers riding dangerously on a moped will be stopped and action will be taken against them.’