A 16-year-old boy was arrested for handling stolen goods last night (26 July) after Kingston police caught him selling a stolen bicycle.

Police had arranged to meet the youth after spotting a suspicious social media advert for the bicycle.

During their meeting, the officers confirmed that the bike's frame number matched that one stolen in June.

The vehicle was then return to its overjoyed owner, who had only just paid the finance off on the bicycle when it was taken.

In a statement on social media posted today, Grove Police said: "Last night we spotted a suspicious bike for sale on social media.

"We met up with the seller; the frame number matched a bike stolen in June.

"One 16yo arrested for Handling Stolen Goods; one bike returned to an elated young man.

"He'd just paid the finance off when it was stolen."

What are the top crimes in the Grove area?

Kingston's Grove police ward covers the area from the town centre to Queen's Promenade and across to the Hogsmill Sewage Works.

In June 2021 the top 3 reported crimes in the Grove area - which covers Kingston town centre - were all theft-related.

Police were informed of 60 shoplifting offences, 47 miscellaneous theft offences, and 41 theft from a person offences.

Overall there were 30 reported crimes per 1000 residents in the Grove area, a much higher rate than the average of 7 per 1000 people in Kingston borough and 8 per 1000 in London.

You can report stolen bikes and other crimes in Kingston using the Met Police website HERE or calling 101.

Remember, if the situation is an emergency - for example, someone is in danger and you need support - always call 999 .

For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the Met's textphone service 18000 or text 999 if you've pre-registered with the emergencySMS service .

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