POLICE officers in Colchester are ramping up efforts to tackle motorbike thefts across the city.
Essex Police says it is aware of a number of mopeds and motorbikes being stolen.
It comes as officers were called to reports of a motorbike being driven dangerously in Cowdray Avenue, Colchester with two people not wearing helmets.
Upon reviewing CCTV for the area, officers visited a nearby address and arrested a 14-year-old boy on suspicion of dangerous driving and theft of a motor vehicle.
At the address, police officers also recovered a white Honda motorbike which was previously stolen.
The ward councillor for Castle ward, Mark Goacher, said: “I am pleased the police have apprehended those involved in this incident.
“I’m in favour of a lower speed limit in Cowdray Avenue as it is so busy and fast.
“There has been a number of issues of speeding down the side road which exists in Cowdray Avenue as well.
“The idea of people driving a stolen motorcycle down there, they are dicing with death.
“It sounds like they are young people but not only risking their lives but other people’s lives too.
“So, it needs to be stamped down on it, I am pleased the police are apprehending those responsible.
“If other mopeds and motorcycles are being stolen across Colchester, then this issue needs a crackdown.”
Essex Police took to Facebook to announce that the White Honda motorcycle had been recovered from the address nearby Cowdray Avenue.
PS Andrea Brady of Essex Police’s city centre team said the force is aware of multiple moped and motorbike thefts in the city.
She said: "We are aware of the current incidents involving theft of mopeds and motorbikes around Colchester and are working proactively to bring those responsible to justice.”
Last year the Gazette reported on Colchester resident Jake Cressy discovering his motorbike was missing after finishing a shift at the Rovers Tye Pub, in Ipswich Road, on October 20 last year.
The motorcyclist had left his black Lexmoto Michigan 125cc bike outside the pub.
He immediately contacted the police and reported the theft but found out the next morning it had been destroyed after it was discovered.
A raffle was held to support Jake and help him finance a replacement vehicle while also raising awareness of bike thefts.
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