North Yorkshire Police said as part of Operation Ignition, the force’s operation to tackle motorcycle thefts over the city, it arrested two men, both aged 20, and two boys aged 17 and 15.
A force spokesperson said all four have since been released on conditional bail whilst its enquiries continue.
PC Ben Ambler, lead officer for Operation Ignition said: “Despite some positive results and reductions in reports of thefts towards the end of the summer, the last few months saw a spike in motorcycle thefts across the city.
“Our officers have used a range of tactics, including specialist resources, drones and plain-clothes officers to disrupt groups of motorcycle thieves – leading to a 70 per cent reduction in thefts so far in December.
“We are committed to tackling this issue and will continue to disrupt and apprehend those responsible for this type of crime.”
