Police make arrests in connection with motorhome thefts in Whitley Bay, North Shields and Wallsend

An investigation is ongoing following the theft of three motorhomes from outside addresses in Wallsend, North Shields and Whitley Bay in the early hours of last Tuesday (December 6).

Officers have since successfully managed to recover all three of the stolen motorhomes following extensive enquiries.

Two suspects – aged 48 and 22 - have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to steal motor vehicles and going equipped for theft as part of the investigation.

The first arrest came last week as officers were searching the Shiremoor area for one of the stolen motorhomes and came across an Audi A3 that was of interest. Inside they found various sets of cloned number plates – one of which related to the vehicle they were seeking.

Then on Monday afternoon (December 12), police spotted a Ford Kuga parked outside Mister Twisters soft play and trampoline centre in Gateshead. The vehicle was one officers believe to have been linked to the spate of motorhome thefts.

Officers watched on as a suspect returned to the car – before quickly placing him under arrest.

Chief Inspector Ian Cutty, of Northumbria Police’s Operations Department, said: “We know the impact that this type of crime can have on victims, their families and the wider community.

“That’s why we are determined to tackle vehicle crime in all forms and will rest at nothing to ensure offenders are rightly brought to justice.

“This was a fantastic effort by the whole team to not only recover the three stolen motorhomes, but identify and arrest two suspects believed to be linked to the offending.

“A full investigation is underway and anybody found to be involved in these thefts can expect to be dealt with swiftly and robustly.

“As ever, we would ask the community to work with us especially at this time of the year when criminals may look to use the cover of darkness. Please make sure your vehicles are locked and any valuables left out of sight.

“If you see anybody acting suspiciously in your community, please let us know as soon as possible so we can deploy resources and take appropriate action.”

Both men who were arrested remain on police bail with enquiries ongoing.