They were nabbed in an ambush in the Teban Gardens area carried out by officers from Clementi Police Division to investigate the thefts in that area since April.

At about 7.35am on Tuesday, officers spotted a youth riding a motorcycle that had earlier been reported stolen. The 17-year-old was detained along Jurong East Street 21, together with the stolen motorcycle.

Investigation brought to light the suspect's accompolices' identities, and they were promptly arrested at their homes on Tuesday evening.

Commander of Clementi Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police Ng Yeow Boon urged motorcycle owners to take precautionary measures such as installing anti-theft alarms and securing and parking their vehicles in well-lit areas.

He added that removing the ignition key and locking the motorcycle before leaving it unattended would also help prevent theft.