Moped crime has more than halved
The government claims a task force has helped reduce incidents of moped-related crime in London by 56 per cent.
There was a 32.6 per cent reduction in such crimes for January to August compared with the same period in 2017.
The Home Office said that when comparing August this year to July 2017 – when the number of offences was at its highest – there has been a 56 per cent reduction.
Announcing the figures at the moped taskforce meeting on Tuesday (October 16), the Home Office said work done to combat the crime included operational activity led by the Metropolitan Police Service in hotspot areas, a government consultation on police pursuits, an industry standard for built-in vehicle theft deterrents and a review of the range of offences.
Jan Hart from Islington Council told the meeting that its strategy (which saw a 60 per cent reduction in the borough) includes tactically placed street furniture to block escape routes, new CCTV, and street lighting in key locations.
The Government said it will now use to same strategy to tackle a recent rise in thefts of vehicles.
Chairing the meeting, Policing Minister Nick Hurd said: “Today’s figures are testament to the fantastic work achieved by the Metropolitan Police and I’m pleased this crime has fallen by so much, so quickly.
“Drawing together existing work by the police, industry and local government and agreeing additional measures has enabled all partners to provide the multi-agency approach tackling a complex issue like this requires.
“The Met have done a superb job of targeting hotspot areas and deploying innovative and highly effective methods for stopping moped gangs in their tracks.”
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Graham McNulty, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Vehicle Crime said: “The reductions achieved in this crime type show the encouraging results that can be achieved when there is a strong focus on enforcement complemented with committed partnership working.
“I am grateful to our partners in the public, private and third sectors who have all played their part alongside the steadfast and relentless operational teams who have delivered outstanding results.
“These reductions are just a start and it is imperative that we continue to work together to ensure that we build on these solid foundations and further reduce harm to the people of London.”
