Six arrested after raids target motorbike theft gang in Manchester city centre
Police say the group is believed to have broken locks to steal bikes before posting footage on social media
Six people have been arrested following a series of early morning raids in Manchester and Salford, as part of a police investigation into the theft of motorbikes in the city centre.
Greater Manchester Police carried out seven warrants on Monday 17th August 2026 through its City Centre Neighbourhood Team.
Who was arrested
A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of five counts of theft of a motor vehicle and possession of a class A drug.
A 15-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of three counts of theft of a motor vehicle.
A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of three counts of theft of a motor vehicle, conspiracy to steal, possession of a class B drug and possession of an offensive weapon.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of two counts of theft of a motor vehicle, conspiracy to steal and possession of a class C drug.
Two further 16-year-old boys were each arrested on suspicion of two counts of theft of a motor vehicle and conspiracy to steal.
All six remain in police custody, according to Greater Manchester Police.
What was seized
Officers seized one stolen motorbike and one stolen Surron e-bike during the operation.
A quantity of class A, B and C drugs was also recovered, along with a zombie knife and more than £4,000 in cash, police said.
How the investigation began
Greater Manchester Police said the neighbourhood policing team set up a dedicated operation in March 2026, in response to a rise in motorbike theft across the city.
Police believe the group worked together to break locks and steal motorbikes.
During the investigation, officers identified a social media account where photographs and videos of stolen motorbikes were being posted.
Enquiries into the device led investigators to a group chat involving other people believed to be linked to a conspiracy to steal motorbikes across the city centre, according to police.
The operation involved response teams, the dog unit, firearms officers, road policing patrols, the drone unit and the National Police Air Service.
Police response
Inspector Emma Allpress, of Greater Manchester Police's City of Manchester Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "We have listened to our community who raised concerns around this type of criminality and our investigation has led to the execution of seven warrants, resulting in seven arrests.
"Our investigation has uncovered a web of criminality where the group have stolen several motorbikes and posted images of them on social media.
"We are committed to doing all we can to tackle this type of criminality. Crime prevention advice can be found on our website - Protect your motorcycle, moped or scooter from theft | Greater Manchester Police.
"Results such as these are not possible without the information and intelligence we receive from the public. If you have information about thefts in your area, please don't hesitate to contact us.
"You can do this by contacting us on 101 or via the 'Live Chat' function on our website. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111," Inspector Emma Allpress said.