Four Arrested After Attempted Motorbike Theft in Westerham, Over 300 Exhibits Seized

Kent Police have arrested four suspects and seized more than 300 exhibits following search warrants carried out in Westerham and Croydon on 16 September, as part of the investigation into August's attempted motorbike theft. An 18-year-old man from Croydon was arrested on suspicion of robbery and theft, and another 18-year-old man from Croydon on suspicion of robbery and possession of an offensive weapon. Two 16-year-old boys from Westerham were also arrested - one on suspicion of conspiracy to commit theft, conspiracy to commit robbery, possession of an offensive weapon and possession of cannabis, the other on suspicion of robbery and possession of cannabis. All four have been bailed pending further enquiries. The seized exhibits included clothing, weapons, mobile phones, suspected stolen property, motorbike parts and suspected cloned number plates. Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Smith said it was "an excellent example of collaborative working across multiple teams, combining proactive policing, intelligence development and investigative persistence to disrupt serious offending." Source: Kent Police

Kent Police had appealed for information after an attempt to steal a motorbike in the centre of Westerham was thwarted by members of the public. Shortly before 7.15pm on Friday 14 August, attempts were made to steal a motorbike parked in Market Square.

What stands out from the appeal is how it ended: rather than the theft going unnoticed, members of the public challenged the offenders directly. The offenders responded by making threats to the motorbike's owner before leaving empty-handed - an outcome that owes more to bystanders being willing to intervene than to any police presence at the time.

Detectives investigating the incident are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw two black mopeds in the area, each carrying a rider and a passenger, either before or after the attempted robbery - a detail suggesting the offenders arrived and left together rather than acting alone. Anyone with private CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage taken in Market Square and the surrounding streets between 7pm and 7.30pm on the evening is also asked to come forward.

Witnesses can contact Kent Police on 01622 604100 quoting reference 46/133976/26, or pass information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their online form. Source: Kent Police