Police Dog Ivan Sniffs Out Suspected Bike Thief in Hamble

A suspected bike thief was arrested in the early hours of this morning thanks to the sharp nose and quick action of police dog Ivan, following a series of proactive patrols in response to ongoing anti-social behaviour in the area.

Shortly before midnight on Wednesday, 16 July, officers patrolling Hamble Lane spotted a teenage boy on an e-bike behaving suspiciously. His attempt to evade police immediately raised suspicions, prompting officers to call in PD Ivan from the Hants & Thames Valley Police Dog Section.

It wasn’t long before Ivan was on the scent. The experienced police dog tracked the boy to some nearby bushes on Green Lane, where he was swiftly detained by officers.

The 17 year old, from Southampton, was arrested just after midnight on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle – the e-bike he was riding – and going equipped for theft. The bike was seized as part of the investigation. He has since been released on conditional police bail while further enquiries are carried out.

The arrest forms part of wider police efforts to tackle an increase in reports of anti-social behaviour and the misuse of e-bikes and motorbikes in the area, which officers say are increasingly being used to facilitate criminal activity.

Officers are urging members of the public to continue reporting suspicious behaviour and nuisance vehicle use, which helps inform targeted patrols and investigations.