There could be a major breakthrough in the way moped crime is dealt with in Camden

Ham & High: DCS Catherine Roper (far left standing) and Claire-Louise Leyland address the audience Picture: Nathan LouisDCS Catherine Roper (far left standing) and Claire-Louise Leyland address the audience Picture: Nathan Louis (Image: Archant)

It has been revealed that powers to chase moped thieves could be changed after the government pledged to review pursuit powers of bike riders.

The Home Office has announced a review of the legislation, guidance and practice on police pursuits following concerns raised by the police.

Police officers have become increasingly worried about the consequences of chasing suspects on bikes for fear of being taken to court because they can be prosecuted for dangerous driving.

It is likely to bring hope to residents across the boroughs of Camden and Haringey, who have been suffering from a spate of horrifying thefts and snatches for months. Recently, it was revealed that Camden was seeing more moped-related crime than anywhere else in the capital.

A number of petitions have been launched by worried members of the public seeking for a change in the law, with one reaching 40,000 signatures.

Moped crime has become such a huge issue that Camden and Islingtonm borough commander, DCS Roper, was forced to meet with residents in an attempt to reassure them that the police were tackling the problem which has been affecting large communities.

Within the meeting at St Stephens church on September 14, DCS Roper said that the police were pursuing riders but it required drivers with ‘high training’.

Nick Hurd, policing minister, has announced that the government will be looking at the law and guidance surrounding police pursuits and response driving.

“People must be able to go about their daily lives without fear of harassment or attack and criminals must not think they can get away with a crime by riding or driving in a certain way or on a certain type of vehicle.

“Tackling this emerging crime will take a combined effort from Government, law enforcement, industry partners and civil society. However, police have made us aware of the concern among some officers over the legal position when pursuing suspected offenders, including those on mopeds and scooters,” he said.

At the meeting with DCS Roper, audience members called for more action and a heightened to response to incidents. The borough commander acknowledged that she ‘felt the anger in the room’ and promised they would work hard to fight moped crime.