Residents and local businesses in Corby are being urged to check home security, dash-cam or CCTV footage for anyone acting suspiciously in and around the area where they live or work.

The appeal from the Corby Neighbourhood Policing Team follows concerns from members of the public about thefts of motorcycles and anti-social riding of off-road bikes across the town in recent weeks.

This has prompted images and videos being shared on community social media pages alerting people to be vigilant, but with most of these incidents going unreported, the policing team is unable to build intelligence around those who are committing these crimes.

Corby Neighbourhood Policing Sergeant Steve Briggs said: “There has been posts circulating on community Facebook pages from people reporting the theft of motorcycles and off-road bikes being ridden dangerously throughout the town.

“We appreciate this is clearly affecting our local community. However, unless people report all incidents to us, we cannot build a true picture of the extent of the problem, and we would therefore urge people to let us know what is happening.

“To help us identify and gather evidence against those responsible, we would also encourage residents and businesses to submit any CCTV, doorbell, dash-cam or mobile phone footage to us along with the date, time and location of the incident.”

On Sunday, April 28, a 17-year-old boy from Corby was arrested on suspicion of the theft of a motorcycle from a residential address in the town’s Parsons Grove sometime overnight on April 22 and April 23. He has since been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information about motorcycles which are being ridden illegally in their area or any vehicle crime is asked to report it by calling Northamptonshire Police on 101 or you can make a report online at www.northants.police.uk/reportonline

Always call 999 in the event of an emergency. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

More information and advice about how you can protect your motorcycle, moped or scooter from theft is available on the Northamptonshire Police website at www.northants.police.uk