News / Avon and Somerset Constabulary
Gang of suspected Bristol motorbike thieves brought down by social media bragging
Three teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of motorcycle theft after bragging about their criminal exploits on social media.
Police say two 16-year-old boys from Lawrence Weston and another from Henbury are now being held in custody after months of surveillance work paid off for officers.
The trio are believed to be part of a group that has been stealing motorbikes in Bristol and they were arrested on Tuesday, November 28.
Inspector Rob Cheeseman is leading the operation to tackle motorbike theft and its associated anti-social behaviour.
He said: “The arrests follow months of surveillance work of the social media accounts which we suspect this group have been using to brag about their criminal behaviour.
“We know the motor-biking community find these accounts deeply frustrating and insulting, as do we. But our surveillance work has paid off and it is satisfying to see these individuals in custody today.
“These social media accounts are a good source of intelligence for us but it can be tricky to use what’s on them as evidence that will stand up in a court of law, beyond all reasonable doubt.
“Today’s action should send a strong message to those posting on these groups that we are watching them and they won’t get away with brazen criminality.”
Main image: Police stock photo.
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