POLICE Officers responding to recent moped thefts in Grays have arrested a teenager and recovered two mopeds.

A statement from Essex Police says: We received a call about mopeds in the area of Lakeside at around 1am on Sunday, 6 April.

Officers followed the suspects to Southey Walk in Tilbury where, with the assistance of Police Dog Kaiser, a 16 year-old boy was located in a resident's garden.

He has been arrested on suspicion of theft of motor vehicle, failing to stop for police, and dangerous driving and is now on police bail.

Officers also recovered two bikes both believed to have been stolen recently and an investigation into the thefts continues.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Blakesley said: "We know the impact having your vehicle stolen can have and tackling vehicle crime is a priority for us.

"Across the county we've seen around 400 fewer vehicles stolen in the last year we continue to work hard to target and bring to justice offenders who engage in this criminality".