Sussex Alerts - Eastbourne Police - Arrests made following motorbike thefts in Eastbourne

Tuesday 26th May 2026

Sussex Alerts - Eastbourne Police

Arrests made following motorbike thefts in Eastbourne

Police in Eastbourne have made two arrests after responding to reports of off road bikes being driven in a dangerous manner on Sunday (24 May).

Two bikes were sighted in the Shinewater area, where they subsequently split up and made off from police. We conducted area searches and located two boys aged 16 and 17 who both attempted to make off but were detained nearby.

They were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and going equipped to commit theft. They have since been released on conditional bail pending further enquiries.

Later in the evening, officers in Wealden located and recovered both bikes which had been abandoned in Adur Park, Stone Cross.

Inspector Chris Yabsley from the Eastbourne Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “We understand the impact that the theft of motor vehicles has on owners, and the wider impact these offences have on our communities.

“This weekend’s activity forms part of our ongoing efforts in the last few months to disrupt vehicle-related crime, gather intelligence and respond proactively to community concerns, and we hope this action reassures the public that we are actively working to address concerns and tackle this issue.

“We would also like to encourage residents review their vehicle security measures, and to report any theft or suspicious activity involving motor vehicles either online or by phone 101. In an emergency always phone 999."

Contact us

For non-emergency incidents or crime prevention advice, click www.sussex.police.uk (If you report a crime online, we will assess it in the same way as a 101 call).  

Call 101 when you do not require an urgent response. In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger always call 999.  

Speak to us face-to-face at a police station or contact the local policing team at www.sussex.police.uk/area/your-area.  

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, or other forms of communication difficulties.

Those with textphone can text 18001 101, or BSL users can use SignVideo to provide a Video Relay Service (here: https://signvideo.co.uk/), to report crime through a live online interpreter, who will contact the police on your behalf, when you do not require an urgent response.

In an emergency when life is threatened or there is immediate danger please use the textphone service 18000 or text us on 999.

BSL users can call 999 BSL (here: https://999bsl.co.uk/)  to use a British Sign Language interpreter.

For more information on textphone and Relay UK, including help setting up the Relay APP please visit: https://www.relayuk.bt.com/how-to-use-relay-uk/contact-999-using-relay-uk.html