A 14-year-old boy was reportedly found with cannabis after stealing a moped.

The youngster was arrested by police patrols following reports of stolen vehicles in the Herne Bay and Whitstable area.

Officers had been responded to earlier reports of mopeds riding dangerously in the area on Saturday night.

The bikes left in the direction of Mole Hill Road in Whitstable.

During a search, patrols found a moped parked up in Herne Bay with the engine running.

Two people near the vehicle fled as officers approached them.

After a short chase on foot and a search involving a police dog, a 14-year-old boy from Herne Bay was stopped by officers. A bag containing tools was also recovered in the area.

Inquiries confirmed the moped had been reported stolen two days earlier from Herne Bay.

The boy was arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle and going equipped to steal. He has been released on bail pending further inquiries.

In the early hours of Sunday morning, a moped with no number plates had failed to stop for officers near Borstal Hill in Whitstable but was halted when officers spotted it again in Radfall Road near the town .

Two 14-year-old boys from Herne Bay were arrested: one on suspicion of handling stolen goods, dangerous driving, and possession of cannabis.

The second boy was arrested on suspicion of theft of a moped, failing to stop when requested to do so, and dangerous driving. He was further arrested on suspicion of causing damage to a custody cell.

They have both been released on bail pending further investigation.

The police initiative was launched in both towns following reports of nuisance moped riding and vehicle thefts.

Sgt Jonathan Sheehan said: “We are taking this opportunity to ask moped and motorbike owners to ensure they are taking all the precautions necessary to help reduce the risk of vehicle theft.

“If anyone sees people acting suspiciously around mopeds or vehicles, report it to Kent Police via our website, or call 999 if a crime is in progress.

“We ask residents to be vigilant and note down any registration numbers of vehicles they see causing a nuisance, as it will assist police with enquiries into the issue.

“Arrests are being made and anyone seen by officers riding dangerously on a moped will be stopped and action will be taken against them.”