RUTHLESS moped gangs have helped fuel the rise in violent crime in the UK.

Lawless London is proving to be a hot bed for the scooter attacks which are up 1,000 per cent in three years across the country.

1 The bike of a raider is left at the scene of a robbery in Regent Street in June, 2018 Credit: London News Pictures

How many moped gang attacks have there been in London?

London saw 19,000 scooter attacks in 2017 - up from just 1,053 in 2014.

And in the same period last year there were 12,192 moped thefts across London compared to January 2018 to October 2018 when there were 8,261 offences - a reduction of 32 per cent.

Motorcycles have been used in crimes such as phone snatches, gem store raids and acid attacks.

Victims are often targeted as they're coming out of tube stations and other transport hubs where they're more vulnerable to attacks.

Thieves snatch handbags, watches and other expensive items before making an easy getaway.

Authorities told The Guardian last year that one gang carried out 30 robberies in the capital within an hour period.

In October 2016, a man was jailed for snatching 21 phones in one hour while riding a moped before he was chased down by a police helicopter.

When and where have the London attacks happened?

How are cops fighting back against moped crime?

New tactics are being employed by police in a bid to smash moped gangs plaguing London's streets.

Metropolitan Police officers will now be able to ram into moped-riding thieves even when they're not wearing helmets, riding dangerously or disguising themselves.

Cops shared a video showcasing the forceful strategy - which specially trained "Scorpion" officers can carry out during high-speed chases.

The footage shows moped riders being smashed into by blue light police cars in London streets.

Commander Amanda Pearson of Frontline Policing, said: "The Met is at the forefront of tackling moped and motorcycle crime and I am pleased to see that we have seen a reduction in offences. However, we are not complacent and we will continue to work tirelessly across London to maintain this downward trend.

"Operation Venice can call on all manner of tactics from an experienced investigation team to police helicopters to tackle and arrest offenders.

"There is a perception that if you remove your helmet or fail to stop for police when requested to do so we will not take any further course of action. This is untrue.

"The public quite rightly expects us to intervene to keep London safe. Our highly trained police drivers weigh up the risks and decide upon the most appropriate tactics in those circumstances."

Metropolitan Police pursuit drivers ram fleeing moped gangs in new 'tactical contact' policy

What has caused the rise in moped attacks?

Authorities believe the surge in moped-related robberies could be driven by an increase in the value of smartphone parts.

Met Police officials say criminal gangs are also getting better at bypassing the security of stolen handsets.

Aside from mobile phones, many of the attacks involve the criminals hijacking others scooters.

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Police stats in 2017 showed that around 1,500 mopeds or motorcycles are stolen in London every month.

The poor security of these vehicles, coupled with their ability to easily mount curbs, is thought to be behind the surge in robberies.

Experts, such as former Metropolitan Police chief inspector Peter Kirkham, also believe budget cuts to cops have contributed to a rise in violent crimes in the city.

Speaking with iNews, Kirkham said: “Cuts to police officers mean fewer officers on the street and fewer officers investigating crimes.

“There is no time for officers to carry out stop and search, and the bad guys have noticed.

“They know they can get away with more and more… It’s not rocket science.”

Machete moped gang attack Oxford Street jewellers before fleeing with luxury watches

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