TWO suspected scooter thieves got a surprise when a police car chased and then deliberately hit them, sending them sprawling across a road.
Police say the ‘tactical contact’ was authorised after the suspects gave them the ‘run around all morning’ in Merton, south London, on February 3.
Helicopter footage posted on Twitter shows the pair trying to leg it but both were arrested on suspicion of theft, Merton police revealed in a series of tweets.
Superintendent Steve Wallace tweeted: ‘Thinking of stealing a moped in Merton? After a protracted series of incidents yesterday, this 'tactical contact' authorised - 2 arrests.’
Detective Chief Superintendent Nick Downing tweeted: ‘Awesome teamwork, 2 more moped thieves in custody. Thank you.’
National Police Air Service London tweeted: ‘Good well done to all involved @MPSMerton @MetTaskforce stolen moped been giving police the run around all morning. 2 detained by officers.’
Police dogs were also used in the chase, which ended safely according to the force.
Thinking of stealing a moped in Merton? After a protracted series of incidents yesterday this 'tactical contact' authorised - 2 arrests https://t.co/daJU53eTVI
— SuptSteveWallace (@MPSSuptWallace) February 4, 2017
Good well done to all involved @MPSMerton @MetTaskforce stolen moped been giving police the run around all morning. 2 detained by officers
— NPAS London (@NPASLondon) February 3, 2017
Awesome teamwork, 2 more moped thieves in custody. Thank you @NPASLondon @MetTaskforce @MPSRTPC & @MPSMerton https://t.co/7xNpZKI58X
— Nick Downing (@NickDowningMPS) February 3, 2017
