Four Arrested in Worthing Over Stolen Mopeds and Drugs Haul
Four people have been arrested following a high-profile police operation in Worthing targeting suspected stolen mopeds and moped-enabled crime.
The incident unfolded shortly before 6pm on Monday, 21 July, when officers responded to reports of two mopeds travelling along the A259. With aerial assistance from the National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter, both vehicles were later located abandoned in Markwick Mews.
Three teenage boys and a woman were seen fleeing the scene and were swiftly detained nearby by officers.
Teenagers and Woman Arrested, Cannabis Discovered
Two 15-year-old boys from Worthing and a 16-year-old boy from Shoreham-by-Sea were arrested on suspicion of theft and possession with intent to supply class B drugs. A 46-year-old woman from Worthing was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and possession with intent to supply.
All four suspects have been released on bail while further enquiries are underway.
A police search of a linked address uncovered a significant quantity of cannabis and various items believed to be stolen.
Ongoing Investigation Into Moped-Enabled Handbag Thefts
The arrests come as part of a wider investigation into a series of moped-enabled offences, including recent handbag thefts reported across Worthing.
Sergeant Thomas Mills of Sussex Police said:
“This was a co-ordinated response to tackle moped-related crime in our community. These arrests are the result of excellent teamwork across several departments and show our commitment to identifying offenders and keeping people safe.”
He urged anyone who believes they were a victim of a moped theft, particularly handbag snatches, to contact police.
Appeal for Witnesses and Victims
Sussex Police are appealing to members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or had property stolen by moped riders to get in touch.
Call 101 or report online quoting serial 1090 of 21/07.
