Police told to lose their fear of chasing moped gangs

Police drivers will be given the green light to pursue moped gangs even if they are not wearing helmets, under proposed changes to the law.

Confusion over the existing rules means many officers are reluctant to give chase to criminals, fearing that they will be hauled over the coals if the rider is injured or killed.

It has seen moped gangs, who have been responsible for a recent wave in street violence and robberies, emboldened, believing they can make an easy getaway by simply removing their helmets.

But the Home Office has said it wants to “smash the myth” and give police officers the confidence to give chase knowing they will not be held responsible for the actions of the criminal.

Police minister, Nick Hurd, said: "Police officers must have the confidence to pursue suspects where it is safe to do so and criminals should be in no doubt that they will not get away with a crime by simply driving recklessly.

“Our proposed changes will make sure that skilled police drivers who follow their rigorous training are protected, while ensuring the minority of officers who do cross the line are robustly held to account.”

There has been a staggering rise in moped based crime in recent years with the Metropolitan Police recording more than 16,000 offences ranging from the theft of mobile devices to smash and grab raids on jewellers.

The rise has also been associated with the terrifying a spate of acid attacks in London and other cities.

Last week two teenagers were jailed for life after murdering a charity worker during a four hour spree of robbery and violence committed on the back of a moped.

Nathan Gilmaney, 18, and Troy Thomas, 18, toured the streets of west London looking for targets before carrying out knife point robberies and attacks.

But despite the epidemic of motorcycle crime, health and safety concerns among many pursuit drivers has led to a fear that they could face prosecution or lengthy internal disciplinary investigations if there is an accident.

Last year the Police Federation - which represents rank and file officers - wrote to its members warning warning them not to pursue criminals in high speed chases because they could not rely on the law to protect them.

Ministers launched a review of the legislation, guidance and practice surrounding police chases, in September and is now proposing changes that will give pursuit drivers more confidence.

Tim Rogers, from the Police Federation, said “We welcome this announcement as it is unacceptable to have officers trained to drive in a way that exposes them to prosecution merely for doing the job the public expect of them.

“I do however say this with caution as this has been an issue we have been campaigning on now for several years and although it is a positive step that the Government have finally agreed that a legislation change is required, they must now act quickly to prevent more officers suffering unnecessary and often mendacious prosecutions.

“It is crucial we protect the people who protect us and give them the confidence to be able to do their jobs and keep the public safe."