There has been a spate of attacks from people riding mopeds. According to media reports, there were 16,000 attacks by scooter riders last year. In this alarming increase, motor cycles have been used in crimes such as mobile phone snatches, gem store raids and acid attacks.
In this spate of moped related crimes, groups of youths are using stolen two wheelers to commit the snatch offences across London. After the harsh punishments which were meted out to the offenders of acid attacks and knife crimes, moped crimes have mushroomed.
The crimes happen in a matter of seconds when the criminals mount pavements on bikes and snatch mobile phones and other valuable items from the innocent passers by. Why this type of crime has been on the increase?
The snatch happens in a very little space of time and before the pedesterian realises, his phone or purse is taken from his hand. The culprits are between 15 and 22 years of age and the mopeds which they use are stolen from delivery drivers.
Experts believe that the cuts in police officers mean that there are fewer officers on the streets and that there is no time for the officers to stop and search the suspects. Hence a large number of crimes are not reported and the stolen jewellery is sold in other countries.
Criminals know that they can get away with more and more. It is not rocket science. Hope AV readers will be warned.
Dinesh Sheth
Newbury Park, Ilford
