Moped Enabled Crime – Update
Moped thefts have increased by 50% in the last 2 years and are now increasingly being used for other crimes, such as phone snatches. The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) are working with partners to help try and bring an end to this increasing crime trend. As a result of this, the MPS have put together a toolkit for businesses, to provide advice and guidance on what to do in certain situations regarding moped crime. Here is an overview of what is included in the full toolkit.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
- Talk to your staff about the risk of phone snatches and other moped crimes
- Increase awareness to any staff members that have scooters/mopeds around how easy it is to steal their vehicles if they have no/inadequate security
- You can request local officers to visit you and brief your staff on moped crime
KEY MESSAGES
- 13,000 crimes involving mopeds last year in London
- Criminals can even mount the pavement to come up behind you
- Follow advice from Met Police to help protect yourself and your property
- For scooter/moped owners, always use at least 2 locks to make your vehicle harder for thieves to steal
ADVICE ON PHONE SNATCHES
- Be aware of your surroundings and don’t text and walk
- Use security features on your phone and use hands-free, or stand next to a wall away from the roadside
- Know how to identify your phone if it’s stolen. Dial *#06# to get your IMEI number. If the phone is stolen, report it to the Police and your mobile provider to block the phone
- Register your phone on www.immobilise.com to help Police recover stolen good and avoid them being sold
- Never confront the thief or risk your own safety for the sake of your phone
ADVICE TO PROTECT YOUR SCOOTER
- Always use the steering lock and remove keys from the ignition
- Use a secure lock that can not easily be broken and, where possible, secure your vehicle to an immovable object, such as a lamp post
- Use a cover to make your vehicle less attractive to thieves
- Click here to read the Met’s advice on protecting your own vehicle.