A police dog tracked down a suspected motorbike thief within minutes of a report in Sittingbourne.
Officers responded to Hythe Road at around 4:10 am on 4 September 2026 after a motorbike was stolen. The owner recovered the vehicle nearby shortly afterwards, while two individuals in balaclavas fled on a moped. Local Swale officers attempted to stop a moped in the area, but the rider refused to pull over and fled.
Police Dog Lyra and her handler, PC Southern, subsequently discovered an abandoned moped equipped with bolt cutters near Menin Road. The police dog then tracked a trail to Martin Court, where a youth was spotted fleeing the scene.
A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, alongside additional offences including failing to stop, driving without a licence or insurance, drug-driving, going equipped for theft, and dangerous driving. He has been released on bail until 29 November pending further enquiries.