The Met Police release footage of their new tactics to deal with moped crime
Dashcam footage released by the Met Police shows their tough new tactics for dealing with moped crime on the streets of London. The video shows police cars ramming criminals off their mopeds, sending them sprawling into the road.
The Met said use of “tactical contact” was now regularly being used to end pursuits in the capital. This process is intended to quickly end a chase before members of the public or the rider is injured.
In releasing the footage, the force warned criminals that removing their helmets or driving dangerously would not prevent police from pursuing them as it has in the past.
Previously a chase would be abandoned by officers who feared they may be prosecuted if a moped rider was killed or injured, but the new “Skorpion” drivers have adopted new methods.
Video shows riders being thrown from their mopeds and over the bonnet of police cars. After standing up, several are visibly shocked at what has just happened.
Some criminals have stolen up to 30 phones in an hour. 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.
The new moves against moped crime is part of Operation Venice, that has seen tactical contact, scrambler motorbikes, DNA spray and stinger devices to deflate tyres.
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 – a reduction of 44 per cent.
Dashcam footage shows the Met Police are using new tactics to ram criminals off their mopeds pic.twitter.com/NqlVGxXd7g
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Commander Amanda Pearson of frontline policing, said:Â “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.
“There is a perception that if you remove your helmet or fail to stop for police when requested to do so we will not take any further course of action. This is untrue.
“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.
“So our message is clear: we can, we will and we do target those involved in moped and motorcycle crime at every opportunity.”
