Pair arrested as part of campaign to tackle motorbike crime

Two teenage boys have been arrested and charged as part of the ongoing campaign to tackle motorcycle crime in Edinburgh.

Police have made two arrests.

The arrests were made after officers received reports of three German motorcycles having been stolen from outside an address in Westfield Court on Wednesday, 25 July, one of which was recovered nearby a short time later.

At around 3.15pm on the same day, further reports were received in relation to the outstanding motorcycles being driven around Broomhouse and Sighthill.

A specialist police team was deployed, including a Police Scotland helicopter and as a result, both bikes were recovered in West Fairbrae Drive and Bankhead.

A 17-year-old and 16-year-old are scheduled to appear at Edinburgh Sherff Court on Thursday, 26 July.

Chief Inspector Gill Geany, who has oversight for Operation Orbit, said: “We have stated time and time again that the theft of motorcycles and their use in other criminal activity will absolutely not be tolerated and through both Operation Orbit, and Operation Soteria, we have a range of resources and tactics at our disposal to target offenders.

“During yesterday’s activity, which resulted in these arrests, ACC Wayne Mawson was part of the Operation Orbit deployment, demonstrating the national commitment from Police Scotland to helping us continue to tackle the issue of motorcycle crime in the Capital.

“I want to make it clear that Edinburgh will not be a soft target for such offences and we will continue to work with colleagues across the Force, relevant partner agencies and our local communities to bring those responsible to justice.”

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