POLICE are planning tough action to combat armed masked raiders on motorbikes who terrorised Exhall and Bedworth on Wednesday.
The men, who were wearing balaclavas were reported to be carrying machetes and were chasing people in the two areas around 2pm.
They were riding a number of motorbikes and a quad bike and also journeyed through New Arley and Nuneaton.
Police mobilised a helicopter to track the suspects but they managed to escape before they could be apprehended or arrested.
There have been several recent incidents reported involving balaclava-clad males on motorbikes committing thefts and robberies around Bedworth.
Officers say the incidents have been on the rise across the region, with the offenders believed to be crossing over county borders.
Nuneaton and Bedworth Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) are taking the issue very seriously and are putting into place a plan of action to find, identify, and put a stop to the thieves.
Insp Kris Shore said: “We are working proactively with our operational policing units, road policing, and our other colleagues and partners to combat this spate of criminality.
“Be assured that we are devoting resources to this issue and are taking serious co-ordinated action against these bike thieves.
“A balaclava is not enough to keep you hidden from us.”
Anyone with information should call visit warwickshire.police.uk/report to submit it or call 111 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Anyone who sees them in the area should call 999 immediately.
