Police dog tracks down suspected motorbike thief in Sittingbourne

A police dog has assisted officers in tracking down a suspected motorbike thief minutes after the report was made in Sittingbourne.

At around 4.30am on 4 September 2026 PD Lyra and her handler arrested the man following a report that a motorbike had been stolen from an address in Hythe Road 20 minutes earlier.

The vehicle was reported stolen at 4.10am and the owner found it nearby a short time later. At the same time, two people, who were wearing balaclavas, were seen leaving on a moped.

Local officers from Swale searched the area and a person was seen on a moped. Police requested them to stop however they failed to do so and fled.

PD Lyra and her handler, PC Southern, later spotted an abandoned moped near Menin Road and on top of the vehicle was a set of bolt cutters. PD Lyra then led her handler to Martin Court where a person was seen running away from them.

A 17 year old boy was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and was later additionally arrested for failing to stop when directed, driving without a licence or insurance, driving under the influence of drugs, going equipped to steal and dangerous driving.

He has since been released on bail until 29 November while further enquiries are made.