THREE youths have been arrested after a rampage in which 15 motorbikes were stolen in one night.

The police received a number of 999 calls reporting youths riding around on stolen motorbikes in Weymouth and Portland.

Police said that at least 15 bikes were taken and a number were found dumped in ditches and on roadsides the next day.

The thefts took place in several locations around the borough overnight on Tuesday night and yesterday morning.

The locations included Norfolk Road, Regency Drive, Woolcombe Road, Rylands Road, Fortuneswell and the High Street in Wyke Regis.

Sam Johnson had his £5,000 motorbike stolen from outside his house in High Street Fortunes-well.

He said: “When I went out yesterday morning to go to work and saw my bike was gone it was such a horrible feeling.

“I’m really lucky I got it back but it’s quite damaged.

“The ignition has been smashed in and the steering lock has been broken so I can’t drive it now.

“There was another bike dumped in a ditch on the causeway. I’m lucky mine hasn’t been more badly damaged.

“I called the police to report it as stolen and they brought it back later that day.”

The 24-year-old added: “I’ve only had the bike a year and I haven’t finished paying it off yet.

“It’s going to cost a fair bit to repair and it’s my only way to get around.

“I had to take a day off work unpaid and at really short notice, which has got me in trouble with my boss.

“It’s sad that people go out and do this. I’m working hard trying to pay my way.”

Michele Johnson, Sam’s mum, said: “The bike is his pride and joy. He’s spent a lot of money on it.

“It’s so unfair that Sam’s saved up all the time to buy it and someone has come along and stolen it and wrecked it.

“I think it’s such a shame that someone would do that to him, it’s just not fair.”

A 17-year-old youth of no fixed abode, and two Weymouth boys aged 13 and 15 have been arrested and are helping police with their enquiries.

Police Issue Appeal For Witnesses

INSPECTOR Les Fry, of Weymouth and Portland police, said: “We are investigating a number of reports of low-powered motorbike thefts across the Weymouth and Portland area that took place overnight on Tuesday.

“I believe that all these reports are connected and it may be that the same people are responsible for these incidents.

“The loss of these vehicles has had a devastating effect on the victims, most being young, causing massive inconvenience and expense.

“It appears that at least three or four boys were acting suspiciously in the area and I am keen to speak to anyone who might have seen something.

“I am determined to find out exactly what happened and I am appealing for anyone with information to contact police urgently.

“Any calls will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.”

Anyone with information can contact Dorset Police on 101.