'Untouchable' teen motorbike thieves mocking victims on TikTok

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. 'Untouchable' teen motorbike thieves mocking victims on TikTokJust now Share Save Add as preferred on GoogleCaroline BiltonandVicky Johnson , Yorkshire & Lincolnshire investigations The has found hundreds of videos showing self-confessed thieves posing with stolen bikesTeenagers are brazenly boasting about motorcycle thefts and mocking their victims on TikTok. A investigation has found hundreds of videos showing self-confessed thieves posing with stolen bikes. In some cases, social media is being used to sell them.

Victims say they feel helpless seeing their prized possessions paraded like trophies online. Figures show that, where age was recorded, more than half of all suspects for motorcycle thefts in Great Britain last year were under the age of 18. One crime expert describes the thefts as "a game" in which teenagers compete with one another.

The Details

TikTok says it has removed some accounts for breaking its rules. However, the has found hundreds more videos remain live on the platform. Richard Thompson with a video showing three youths on his wife's mopedRichard Thompson says his wife was working a night shift as a carer in Grimsby when her moped was stolen.

He has a CCTV image of the bike being ridden by three masked young people and believes one is aged between 10 and 12. The found a video of his stolen bike on TikTok, posted with the caption: "Catch me in traffic #stolen". Thompson describes the video as "disgusting".

"How much more proof do you need? "Ban these accounts, because they are brazenly showing stolen property. "After reporting the theft to Humberside Police, Thompson says he used social media to try to trace the bike.

What Experts Say

He was told about potential sightings and given the names of suspects. He says he contacted a parent of one of those thought to be involved, who confirmed it was their son on the bike in the video. 'Do your job'Thompson says he was angered by the police's response and believes the teenagers must "feel untouchable".

"The policeman said to me: 'What do you expect us to do, because if we see them on the bike we can't chase them? If they fall off they could hurt themselves'," he says. "My response was, 'wow, I'd expect you to do your job'.

" His case was opened on 27 October 2025 and closed two days later. A spokesperson for the force says officers reviewed videos and images from social media, but they provided insufficient evidence to identify those involved. Officers also visited an address linked with the bike, but the evidence was not strong enough to enable a search.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.