Cops make van arrest

Islington Police have chased and stopped the white van we asked for your help in tracing this morning (June 16, 2004).

A stolen Fireblade and one other bike was in the back when the white Ford Transit, on false plates, was halted at around 1pm on June 16, 2004. One man has been arrested.

Police say feedback from motorcyclenews.com users has been helpful and ask that anyone who has information about bike crime activity in the North London area contacts Sgt Richard Hall on 0209-345-1546.

Islington police have now recovered the stolen dark grey Ford Transit van that a gang had been using to steal bikes in London.

That was last used in an attempted theft of a ZX-9R at 9.50am on June 10. On that occasion it was crewed by three men, all white. The driver was aged 40-45 years, a ginger-haired man aged about 20 and a 15-17 year old with a crew cut were also on board. A witness disturbed them and they escaped.

Police say the gang changs the van it uses every 4-5 days. The dark grey Ford Transit panel van they were using has the registration number K607 UTT. It is now being examined for fingerprints and other clues and will then be returned to its rightful owner.

The gang used it in another bike theft at 1pm on Wednesday, June 9. The gang of four (on this occasion) simply lifted their victims’ bikes into the back of the panel van and got away.

They have been operating in North and East London, according to Islington Police.

Keep checking for updates on this site.