Quad bike thieves caught after being stopped at police roadblock in the Yorkshire Dales

By Grace Newton
Published 30th Mar 2020, 16:41 BST
Updated 30th Mar 2020, 16:42 BST
The quad was stolen near Bolton AbbeyThe quad was stolen near Bolton Abbey
The quad was stolen near Bolton Abbey | jpimedia
A police roadblock on the lookout for drivers flouting lockdown restrictions unexpectedly managed to detain a couple suspected of stealing a quad bike.

Residents of Burnsall used a neighbourhood Whatsapp group to share their suspicions when they spotted the quad and a Ford Fiesta being driven at speed through the village towards Bolton Abbey at 8.30pm on the night of March 26.

Police were called and told to look out for the vehicles. Shortly afterwards, the Fiesta was stopped at a roadblock on the A65 and its two occupants questioned about the purpose of their journey.

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The driver, a 21-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary, drug driving and possession of cannabis. His passenger, a 22-year-old woman, was detained on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary. They remain in custody.

The quad bike was found abandoned in a nearby field, having smashed through a gate. It was recovered by police for forensic examination. Officers are working to identify its rightful owner so they can return it to them.

Anyone with any information about the incident should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference 12200050836.