A TEENAGER has been arrested after police used a live tracker to find a bike which had been stolen. 

During routine patrols, officers from the city centre team were approached by a member of the public who reported his electric bike had been stolen outside Café Nero, in Culver Street.  

The bike was equipped with a live tracker which indicated it was moving through the Essex University grounds.

The officers, accompanied by the owner of the bike, entered the university entrance from the Wivenhoe side.  

Officers intercepted the suspect on the e-bike.

Members of the city centre police team detained and arrested a 16-year-old male on suspicion of theft of a pedal cycle.

A police spokesman said: "We urge all residents to secure their bicycles and consider using tracking devices to aid in recovery in case of theft."

A Freedom of Information request submitted by the Gazette revealed there were more bike thefts in Colchester than any other police district in the county in 2023.

There were 432 bike thefts recorded in Colchester last year, with only two being solved.