A SPATE of car and motorbike thefts have taken place in areas of Brighton in the last eight days.

Nine vehicles have been taken from Patcham, Withdean and Preston Park since February 20.

Four boys and a man have charged in connection with the theft of a VW Polo from Braybon Avenue. Jake Hall, 21, of Mason Way, Crawley, has been in remanded in custody until March 21 when he stands trial at Lewes Crown Court accused of aggravated vehicle taking, driving while disqualified, dangerous driving and driving without insurance.

Student Liam Mackay, 18, a student of Sherbourne Road, Hove, and three Brighton teenagers, aged 17, 16 and 15 - none of whom can be named be named for legal reasons - will appear at Brighton Magistrates' Court on March 23 charged with aggravated vehicle taking.

Another car was stolen from Stanford Avenue and seven motorbikes were taken. 

The news comes as a Jaguar driver was told police would not investigate his car being stolen.