Five people arrested after motorcycle theft task-force raids addresses across Wearside

Raids took place at numerous addresses in Sunderland.
Photo: Northumbria Police — Raids took place at numerous addresses in Sunderland. Photo: Northumbria Police

The Operation Benelli team executed dawn raids at properties in Sunderland on Tuesday, December 17 as part of an investigation into a large-scale conspiracy to commit theft.

The team have been gathering intelligence and carrying out covert surveillance throughout the probe involving more than 30 offences across Northumbria and Durham.

Four men and a 12-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal motor vehicles.

Transit vans have been seized as part of the ongoing investigation.
Photo: Northumbria Police — Transit vans have been seized as part of the ongoing investigation. Photo: Northumbria Police

They remain in custody at this time.

Some of the addresses were targeted in Houghton-le-Spring, East Rainton, Hetton-le-Hole and Shiney Row.

So far, police have seized three Transit vans, and one motor vehicle which they believe have been used in the crime series. Three stolen motorcycles have also been seized.

Detective Inspector Tam Fowler, who leads Northumbria's Operation Benelli team said: “This has been an excellent operation which has seen Operation Benelli working hand-in-hand with officers from Southern Area Command and detectives from Durham Constabulary.

Other items have been seized alongside transit vans.
Photo: Northumbria Police — Other items have been seized alongside transit vans. Photo: Northumbria Police

“As a result of the coordinated operation, we have five individuals in the cells and we will continue to speak to those individuals throughout the day.

“We have also seized a number of suspected stolen goods which will be important as we progress this investigation.

“We have done some fantastic work already in the Operation Benelli team to raise awareness of motorcycle thefts and the work we are doing around the clock to identify and pursue offenders.

“That work will continue over the coming weeks and months, and our message to those involved in motorcycle crime is simple – we are looking for you, and we will be knocking on your door soon.”

Operation Benelli is made up of a number of experienced and specialist officers who review every incident where a motorcycle has been used in the commission of a crime to establish patterns of behaviour. Victims are spoken to in a bid to build up an intelligence picture of those involved in the disorder.

If you want to send pictures, video or intelligence to the task-force email [email protected].