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Metropolitan Police Release Video Of Officers Knocking Moped Thieves Off Bikes

Metropolitan Police Release Video Of Officers Knocking Moped Thieves Off Bikes

The tactics involve knocking thieves off their bikes regardless of whether they're wearing a helmet or not

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

Not the end of the world is it when thieves are being purposely knocked from their mopeds? In fact, you probably more action to be taken when someone steals an old woman's handbag or an innocent bloke's watch from his wrist.

This is just one tactic that is being used by the Metropolitan Police in a bid to crackdown on violent crime.

And the numbers show that it's working because there has been a 36 percent reduction in thefts involving mopeds or scooters since the new methods were adopted last year.

The tactics mean that specially trained drivers are able to reduce the need for pursuits and prevent injury occurring to offenders and members of the public.

The Met Police warn that the crimes can happen at any time of the day or night and some criminals have stolen up to 30 phones in an hour.

Police are using a range of tactics to tackle moped thieves.
Metropolital Police

Victims are often targeted as they come out of tube stations or at transport hubs. Thieves also snatch handbags, high value watches and other items.

According to The Guardian, officers had been reluctant to chase mopeds, some driven at high speed by suspects as young as 14, amid fears of injury or death.

But Inspector Jim Corbett said that suspected criminals who thought they would not be chased if they took off their helmets were in for a surprise: "A big myth that we have is that if people remove their helmets they think they are not going to be pursued."

He said officers were told by one person they caught: "I took my helmet off as I thought you would stop chasing me."

That person, who was later jailed, rode on to the pavement. Officers deemed him a danger to the public and used 'tactical contact' to knock him off his scooter.

The Metropolitan Police say that using methods such as knocking people off their bikes has helped reduce moped crime.
Metropolitan Police

Latest year-on-year figures for moped crime show that in January 2017 to October 2017 there were 19,455 offences across London compared to January 2018 to October 2018 when there were 12,419 offences (7,036 fewer offences) - a fall of 36 per cent.

Commander Amanda Pearson of Frontline Policing said: "The Met is at the forefront of tackling moped and motorcycle crime and I am pleased to see that we have seen a reduction in offences. However, we are not complacent and we will continue to work tirelessly across London to maintain this downward trend.

"The public quite rightly expects us to intervene to keep London safe. Our highly trained police drivers weigh up the risks and decide upon the most appropriate tactics in those circumstances.

"Offenders on mopeds and motorcycles who attempt to evade the police are making a choice that puts themselves and others at risk.

"So our message is clear: we can, we will and we do target those involved in moped and motorcycle crime at every opportunity."

Featured Image Credit: Metropolitan Police

Topics: Police, News, crime, UK