Two people in helmets were caught on video appearing to attempt to steal a moped by repeatedly “smashing” it in Battersea High Street.

Members of the public said they were trying to steal the bike and one allegedly “had a gun”.

A local, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: “They were using a hammer or metal bar and they were smashing the motorbike with it. There were people around them and they just didn’t care.

“It’s pretty annoying. We have to be extra careful now- it’s better to walk around in groups.”

Wandsworth Times:

The moped in question. Credit: londonlovesbusiness.com

A spokesperson for the Met Police said: “Police were called at 11.50pm on Sunday, May 21, to a report of the attempted theft of a moped in Battersea High Street.

“A number of suspects arrived at the scene on two mopeds just after 9:00pm, and returned to the scene at around 11.40pm.

“It was reported that they were trying to break the steering lock, and that one was carrying a firearm.”

The moped in question was not stolen, no arrests have been made and enquiries continue.

Quick response

One resident who rang the police on Sunday praised their “quick” response.

He said: “The police were quick to respond. They were concerned, acted accordingly.

“They also said they need more of the public to start speaking out and informing the police of attacks they witness as it will help in the fight against the moped crime.”

Witnesses and anyone with information about this incident is asked to call police on 101, tweet @MetCC, or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A significant problem

Wandsworth, and indeed the rest of the capital, has been a target of moped-related crime in recent weeks and police have a number of tactics to tackle it.

Among other things, a dedicated moped-enabled crime hub has been set up to help Wandsworth Police crackdown on this persistent issue.

See related: Here’s what’s being done to tackle moped-enabled crime in Wandsworth

However, there are on average two to three moped or motorbike thefts or attempted thefts every day in the borough.

Wandsworth Times:

Moped gangs caught on CCTV in Battersea terrorising residents. Credit: londonlovesbusiness.com

Residents have said they see people riding on motorbikes with blacked out number plates “daily”.

One said: “I’ve lived in the Battersea Square Area for over 20 years.

“In recent years there has been an increase in bike crime that seems to have been largely ignored.

“This behaviour was exhibited by groups of young men on bikes, riding on the roads and pavements with no regard for the elderly or the young or pets.

“While the behaviour may be considered ‘high jinks’, for the more vulnerable it has been frightening.”

Along with the dedicated crime hub, Wandsworth police have a vehicle multi-agency panel (VMAP) in place in which a vast array of partners- such as family support workers, teachers, and the council- meeting monthly.

In addition, Wandsworth Council “will continue to invest in CCTV” and specifically re-deployable cameras, from which live and recorded events can be viewed.