Newark officers arrived at Church of Promise in Winthorpe Road after break-in reports

Response officers arrested a suspect and reunited a stolen motorbike with its owner after being called to a burglary in progress.

Newark-based officers arrived within minutes after a report of a break-in at the Church of Promise, in Winthorpe Road, shortly after 10pm on Tuesday (September 17).

They checked the site and discovered locks had been cut off a container.

Nothing was stolen and it was believed the offenders may have fled on bikes after being disturbed.

After carrying out area searches, the officers came across a bike cover. Inquiries were carried which established the bike had been stolen.

Following further searches, in the Yorke Drive area, they found the bike in undergrowth and were able to trace the owner and reunite him with it within half-an-hour.

The officers, who remained on patrol in the area and searched hot-spot areas, were driving along Lincoln Road when they saw two bikes being ridden which then failed to stop for police.

After one of the bikes suffered some sort of mechanical failure, the rider tried to run off but was quickly detained and arrested after a brief foot chase. Inquiries revealed that bike had also been stolen.

The officers also seized a knife and a number of tools consistent with going equipped for theft.

Lewis Neal, aged 18, of Stoke Avenue, Newark, was subsequently charged with possession of a knife in a public place. He was bailed with strict conditions and is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 3 October.

He was also bailed with conditions in respect of allegations of attempted burglary, theft of a motor vehicle, going equipped for theft of a motor vehicle, dangerous driving, and failing to stop. Inquiries remain ongoing into these matters.

PC Joseph Krawiecki, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Preventing and reducing motorbike theft remains a priority in the Newark area and I hope our proactive work and good result in this particular instance shows our commitment to tackling this issue.

“Our rapid response resulted in a suspect being arrested and charged and it was pleasing to be able to reunite a stolen bike with its owner.

“We will continue to work hard to deter and prevent bike thefts and the public can be reassured that we take these types of incidents extremely seriously and we will do everything we can to disrupt and catch up with those suspected of stealing bikes.”