Police helicopter helps arrest suspects after mopeds stolen in Worthing

A police helicopter was deployed after suspected stolen mopeds were seen on the A259 in Worthing, leading to the arrest of four individuals.

Sussex Police said the incident happened shortly before 6pm on Monday, 21 July, when two mopeds were spotted travelling along the A259. Officers responded quickly, and with help from the National Police Air Service (NPAS) helicopter, the vehicles were later found abandoned in Markwick Mews, Worthing.

Three teenage boys and a woman were seen fleeing the scene and were arrested nearby. Two 15-year-old boys from Worthing and a 16-year-old 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 arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and possession with intent to supply class B drugs. All four have been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Police confirmed the arrests are linked to investigations into moped-enabled crime in the area, including multiple handbag thefts. A subsequent search of a related property uncovered a large quantity of cannabis and other suspected stolen goods. Officers have urged anyone who has had a bag stolen by someone on a moped to contact them using serial 1090 of 21/07.