Five teenage boys have been arrested on suspicion of stealing bikes in Brighton and Hove – and police have recovered a growing haul.
Sussex Police said: “Operation Ensnare has been launched by Brighton and Hove police to tackle the number of bike thefts in the city.
“On Monday (20 November) three boys, two aged 14 and one aged 16, were detained on suspicion of stealing a bike from the Southern Ring Road on the Sussex University campus and the theft of a moped.
“They have been released under investigation.
“On Saturday 11 November a 14-year-old boy from Hove was detained on suspicion of stealing a bike from Old Shoreham Road, Hove, and released under investigation.
“On the same day, while officers were making inquiries, they found three suspected stolen bikes at an address in Ringmer Road, Brighton.
“These were a black and orange Giant mountain bike, a blue Carrera Centos mountain bike and a grey Felt road bike.
“The bikes have now been recovered and taken to Brighton Police Station.”
Sergeant James Ward said: “We are making inquiries to try to trace the bike owners but if anyone has had a bike stolen and thinks it may be one of these, please get in touch with us.”
A 13-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of stealing a bike from Churchill Square, Brighton, last month.
Sussex Police said: “He admitted stealing the bike and was given a community resolution.
“Eight bikes were also found by officers patrolling in the Peace Gardens in Patcham.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police online or phone 101, quoting Operation Ensnare.
