Joint policing effort sees pair arrested for Northwich bike theft

Several policing teams worked together in the early hours to locate a pair who had decamped from a stolen bike following a pursuit through Middlewich.

At 2.08am this morning (Friday 8th August), officers on patrol in the Jack Lane area of Moulton spotted two men on a bike.

As the pair were not wearing helmets, or any other proper safety equipment, officers indicated for them to pull over.

Despite this warning, the bike refused to comply and drove off at speed, being witnessed travelling at over 50 miles an hour in a 30 mph zone.

The patrol pursued the bike towards Middlewich, witnessing it crossing over the solid white road line on several occasions, travelling on the incorrect side of the carriageway and riding contraflow around a roundabout.

Thanks to the pursuing officers keeping their fellow units updated on the riders’ location, the bike was eventually slowed by a stinger that was deployed on Booth Lane, Middlewich. However, the riders continued and were seen driving down the nearby canal towpath - with the bike being deserted next to the Trent and Mersey canal.

Following the riders’ disappearance along the towpath, colleagues from NPAS and the Dog Unit were swiftly deployed to the scene to assist in locating them.

During the search, colleagues in the Force Control Centre also received a call from an eagle-eyed member of the public who had spotted two men matching the description of the rider and passenger acting suspiciously along the canals edge.

Arriving on the scene PD Lex and his handler traced the pair and were found in nearby shrubbery, attempting to hide from the pursuing officers.

The men, both 18 and from Middlewich, were arrested for a number of offences.

The driver, who tested positive for both cannabis and cocaine, was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving and failing to stop for police. He remains in custody at this time.

The passenger was arrested on suspicion of taking without consent and has since been released under investigation.

Inspector Sam Lovatt, of the Constabulary’s Dog Unit, said:

“When officers came across a suspected stolen motorbike in Middlewich last night, the two males on board thought it would be a good idea to make a run for it. They underestimated, however, the tenacity of our pursuing officers, colleagues in the sky from NPAS and our very own PD Lex.

“You can never outrun the long paw of the law, and, unfortunately for these two, PD Lex’s four legs were much quicker than theirs and he tracked them down as they headed towards a nearby wooded area. The two were swiftly detained and then brought into custody.

Pictured - PD Lex.