Man arrested by police after late-night quad bike pursuit

Recovered

The quad bike, a red Honda, has been recovered for forensic examination and the force has contact local residents so its owner can come forward and claim it.

“The rider caught by officers, a 22-year-old man from Liverpool, was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle," added the spokesperson.

"He was taken into custody, and has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.

“Searches were carried out for any other stolen quads, and the other suspects, but they were not located.”

Large numbers

The NFU Mutual Rural Crime Survey in 2019 found quad bikes and ATVs were being stolen from farms across the country in large numbers.

About 15 quad bikes were stolen in April and May from the Ribble Valley area, Lancashire, with the county’s police force issuing a text message to farmers, warning of a Ford Transit which was driving onto farms and acting suspiciously.

Speaking last month, Inspector Matt Hagen, of North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce, said: “Quite apart from its monetary value, the loss of a quad can have a really significant impact on a farm or other rural business – particularly in these difficult times, when farmers really cannot afford any further disruption.

“Police patrols in rural areas have not stopped, so if you see or hear anything suspicious, don’t hesitate to call us. If a crime is in progress, or someone suspected of a crime is nearby – call 999.

“If you do not need an emergency response, please report anything suspicious to us using the 101 phone number.

“Any piece of information could help us build up a picture and bring criminals to justice.”