Police spotted chasing motorbike thieves through London
Police officers have been spotted chasing a gang of motorbike thieves through the streets of London before the rider lost control on a tight bend.
The dramatic photos, taken in Notting Hill this afternoon, show officers in their vehicle pursuing the thief who had stolen a silver Suzuki motorbike by cutting off its disc brake with an angle grinder.
As the rider approached a bend in the exclusive London neighbourhood, he veered out of control and was forced to abandon the vehicle.
Police officers have been spotted chasing a pair of motorbike thieves through the streets of London before the rider lost control on a tight bend
The dramatic photos, taken in Notting Hill this afternoon, shows officers in their vehicle pursuing the thief who had stolen a silver Suzuki motorbike by cutting off its disc brake with an angle grinder
As the rider approached a bend in the exclusive London neighbourhood, he veered out of control and was forced to abandon the vehicle
He then jumped on the back of an accomplice's bike and made a speedy getaway.
Photos from after the incident show uniformed officers inspecting the bike.
A Metropolitan Police spokeswoman told MailOnline: 'Police were called to reports of a motorcycle being stolen at Westbourne Park Road, at 15.35hrs on Friday, 6 October.
'The suspects were four males who were riding on two motorcycles.
'One of the males had dismounted at the venue, cut the security locks on a motorbike that was parked on the street and rode it away.
'Officers recovered the stolen Suzuki motorbike nearby. No arrests. Enquiries continue.
'Anyone who witnessed this incident or had information concerning the identity of the riders should call Kensington and Chelsea CID by dialing 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.'
Moped and motorbike crime is becoming a scourge on London's streets with the number of offences rising by 600 per cent in the last two years.
He then jumped on the back of an accomplice's bike and made a speedy getaway
Moped and motorbike crime is becoming a scourge on London's streets with the number of offences rising by 600 per cent in the last two years
There were 7,668 incidents involving mopeds last year, with 4,647 in 2015 and 1,053 in 2014
There were 7,668 incidents involving mopeds last year, with 4,647 in 2015 and 1,053 in 2014.
Hot spots for the crimes include Hackney, Islington, Camden and Westminster - with more than 9,900 moped, scooter and motorcycle thefts reported across London over the past year.
Often gangs will target people on their phones are perform drive by muggings, with the Metropolitan Police concerned that teenagers and young children are committing the crimes.
Hot spots for the crimes include Hackney, Islington, Camden and Westminster - with more than 9,900 moped, scooter and motorcycle thefts reported across London over the past year
Often gangs will target people on their phones are perform drive by muggings, with the Metropolitan Police concerned that teenagers and young children are committing the crimes
Chief Supt Peter Ayling, in charge of policing in Westminster, said that despite the rise in moped crime rates - officers are not allowed to pursue offenders
Chief Supt Peter Ayling, in charge of policing in Westminster, said that despite the rise in moped crime rates - officers are not allowed to pursue offenders.
He told the Guardian: 'With bikes there is an increased risk to riders should police pursue. Often they are so reckless in their actions it could expose the public to danger.
'For that reason the tactics are informed by the standard of driving of the suspect, time of day and apparent risk to all involved.'
However, robberies by scooter or motorcycle are a priority concern for the Met and the force has put covert officers on foot and in unmarked cars to help tackle the thieves.
Ayling told the Guardian: 'With bikes there is an increased risk to riders should police pursue. Often they are so reckless in their actions it could expose the public to danger'