Theresa May backs UK police's controversial ramming tactic
British Prime Minister Theresa May has backed a controversial police tactic where officers ram their vehicles into scooters to knock off suspects.
The Metropolitan Police are targeting gangs of moped thieves with the tough new approach, which was unveiled this month with dramatic footage of officers knocking thieves off their scooters in London.
The tactic has left at least two suspects with broken bones, raising concern that it is both dangerous and unlawful.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct says it is investigating three cases of "tactical contact."
Prime Minister May was asked about the issue during her trip for the G20 summit in Argentina.
"These people on these mopeds are acting unlawfully and committing crimes and I think it's absolutely right that we see a robust police response to that," she said.
"Moped crime has been an issue of concern for some time now, as it has been growing in certain areas, in particular in London."
Senior officers have also defended the method as a very effective tool to reduce crime in the British capital, saying it was needed to stop dangerous chases.
Met Commissioner Cressida Dick said pursuit drivers are "supremely well trained" and the tactic has resulted in only a "very small" number of injuries.
"My officers make life-and-death decisions every day of the week, they're very accountable,” she said.
The opposition Labour Party has raised concerns about the tough approach, which MP Diane Abbott denouncing earlier this week as being "potentially very dangerous."
Knocking people off bikes is potentially very dangerous. It shouldn't be legal for anyone. Police are not above the law https://t.co/boptGhJYbB
— Diane Abbott (@HackneyAbbott) November 27, 2018
The Metropolitan Police Federation - which represents rank-and-file officers - has warned that officers could be risking their "livelihood and liberty" by using the tactic.
It argued that steps should be taken to make sure police officers are not prosecuted "for doing their job."
Latest figures show 12,419 moped offences were recorded across London between January and October this year, according to the Press Association.
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