EASTPOINTE, Mich. -- There have been several reports of bikes being stolen in recent weeks from southern Macomb County communities, which is leaving residents on alert for the so-called "Bike Bandits."

Third-grader Johnny Stickey said he isn't taking any chances when it comes to his wheels.

"Lock it up if you're going to leave it out, or bring it in the house if you don't want to get it stolen," he said.

Stickey said he learned his lesson last summer after a thief stole his other bike, which was a Christmas gift from his grandfather.

Stickey said he was really upset when he found out it had been stolen.

"Mad, like really mad, because it was my favorite bike and it was really expensive," he said.

In a recent 911 call, a mother was heard frantically telling the operator that her son's bike was just taken.

"Two kids just took my son's bike and they are on Nine Mile Road right now with it," the mother said. "They were out here, scooped up the bike, jumped on it and drove down our street."

Police Lt. Leo Borowsky said two of the bandits have been arrested, one of whom is only 12 years old. Borowsky said officers continue to search for four more bandits.

Borowsky said one of the bandits in custody admitted to getting encouragement and cash from an adult.

"There's a person living in the Gratiot and state fair area that will pay them $25 per bicycle for him to resell," he said.

Stickney said he has a message for whoever is stealing the bikes; "I would tell them not to steal people's bicycles."