Research on Moped Crimes in London

Introduction

In recent years, the bustling streets of London have become a hotspot for a new kind of crime. Mopeds and scooters, once a common sight used for easy navigation through the city's traffic, have become instruments for criminals. These vehicles, commonly used for their speed and manoeuvrability, have been increasingly employed in various forms of street crimes, causing a significant public concern and posing new challenges for the law enforcement. This document seeks to delve into this issue, detailing the rise of such crimes, their societal impact, and the measures taken to curb the issue.

Rise of Moped Crimes in London

Since 2015, London has seen a dramatic increase in moped-related crimes. The Metropolitan police recorded 16,158 thefts by individuals using mopeds from July 2016 to June 2017, more than three times as many as the 5,145 reported between July 2015 and June 2016. This significant surge was not confined to thefts. These two-wheeled vehicles have also been implicated in more serious offences such as acid attacks and knife crime.

The reasons behind the rise in moped crime can be attributed to several factors. First and foremost, mopeds offer speed and maneuverability, making them ideal for quick getaways in a city known for its congested traffic. Moreover, the theft of these vehicles has also seen a significant increase, providing criminals with easy access to their preferred mode of transportation for committing crime.

Types of Moped Crimes

Moped crimes in London primarily involve theft and robbery, often involving mobile phones and bags snatched directly from pedestrians. However, some crimes have escalated to include more violent actions, such as acid attacks. A few high-profile cases have drawn attention to this issue in recent years, including several cases where victims were celebrities or were assisted by celebrities, further propelling the issue into the public sphere.

Impact on Society

The surge in moped crimes has had a palpable impact on London's society. The fear of being targeted has driven many to adopt caution, with reports highlighting the victims' sense of vulnerability following such incidents. High-profile cases, such as those involving celebrities or tourists, have heightened this concern. The media has extensively covered these incidents, further fueling public apprehension and calls for stronger action against such crimes.

Police Response and New Regulations

In response to the rising crimes, the Metropolitan Police has implemented new strategies to tackle this issue; their hard-line approach, introduced in 2018, allows them to ram suspected thieves off their mopeds. This controversial method faced both support and criticism, with some considering it an essential tactic in reducing crimes, while detractors cite the potential physical harm to suspects as a concern. Despite the debates, these more rigorous law enforcement measures have resulted in a drop in moped crimes by almost half within a year, an encouraging indication of their effectiveness.