A 17-year-old boy has been bailed after he was arrested for motorbike thefts as a police helicopter searched for the rest of the gang and night patrols are stepped up.

The youth was interviewed yesterday evening (Wednesday) and has now been bailed for the results of forensic testing on the bikes he is suspected of stealing.

Worcester News: BAILED: The 17-year-old has now been bailed after he had been in custody at Worcester Police Station BAILED: The 17-year-old has now been bailed after he had been in custody at Worcester Police Station (Image: James Connell/Newsquest)

West Mercia Police responded to an attempted theft of a motorbike on Hooper Close in Powick, at approximately 12.10am yesterday (Wednesday).

Three bikes were recovered in Powick when two suspects fled the scene, leading to a search using the police helicopter.

It is believed the group may be behind a string of thefts of bikes ranging from 50cc to 125cc and have been particularly active in St John's, Rushwick and Powick.

READ MORE: Police helicopter over Powick - bike thief suspect arrested

READ MORE: Attempted motorbike theft on Hooper Close in Powick

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In the meantime, night patrols are being stepped up until the other suspects are caught.

Inspector Pete Frankish said: "Enquiries are still ongoing regarding the outstanding suspects who will be arrested in due course.

"My team has instructions to continue with nighttime patrols and active pursuit of the offenders."

West Mercia Police used thermal imaging cameras to try and locate others believed to be involved after making an arrest at around 1am this morning (Wednesday).

The youth was arrested on suspicion of burglary and three thefts of motor vehicles.

Inspector Pete Frankish, based at the station in Castle Street, said on Wednesday: "Essentially we have had a raft of thefts of scooters and motorbikes and people breaking into vehicles and these are linked to some car key burglaries where keys are taken and vehicles are stolen."

CCTV footage has identified two other suspects who made off and they are being sought by West Mercia Police.

The response inspector said information from the public could help catch the two suspects, including Ring doorbell footage while keeping bikes locked up and secure could help prevent others from becoming victims.

Inspector Frankish advised anyone who suspects a theft in progress should dial 999 so resources can be deployed rapidly to the scene and arrests made.

It is believed the group may be behind a string of thefts of bikes ranging from 50cc to 125cc and have been particularly active in St John's, Rushwick and Powick.

"Their MO is to snap the steering lock on the bike and then ride off," said Insp Frankish.

He added: "There is no care. They are not worried about damaging the bikes. We know how impactful this type of crime is. I'm aware of one gentleman who had his bike stolen, later had it repaired and, within two days, it was stolen again. It is a targeted approach.

"I have been the victim of a theft of my scooter twice. I know the impact. I know the general feeling is we are not interested, we're not doing anything about it. You can believe me - we are."

Those with information are advised to contact West Mercia Police on 101, quoting reference 0008_I_16082023. However, in the event of a theft in progress or suspicious activity, the advice is to call 999.