Police launch operation to tackle moped crime

Children as young as 11 are involved in gangs stealing mopeds, scooters and motorcycles in London, the Met Police has said.

The force has launched an operation to tackle crimes committed on powered two wheelers, which include checks on parked-up mopeds, raids on people suspected of stealing the vehicles or using them to commit crimes such as robbery.

In the last 12 months, there were more than 9,900 moped, scooter and motorcycle thefts reported across London, officers said.

However detectives have admitted they often make the choice not to pursue the riders because of the potential danger of fatal accidents.

BBC London's Tarah Welsh spoke to Det Supt Raffaele D'Orsi from the Met Police.