A reduction has been seen in scooter-related crimes across the capital after a police crackdown.

From July to September this year there has been a 25 per cent reduction in the theft of scooters and motorbikes, while crimes committed by those on scooters, or scooter-enabled crime, has decreased by 24 per cent.

This comes after the Metropolitan Police have introduced new measures to crack down on these types of crimes, which includes new forensic tagging, remote-controlled 'stingers' which pierce the wheels of an offender's bike, and new lightweight motorcycles which allow the police to chase more easily.

There was also a promotion to encourage scooter owners to increase their security for their vehicles.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Cressida Dick, said: "I have been clear that tackling violence is my priority. I was angered by the apparent perception amongst some criminals that they could operate with near impunity, committing strings of offences using scooters.

"We have brought all our tactics and specialists together to use every ethical option to put a stop to the rise; arrest those responsible; disrupt offenders; dismantle the criminal markets that make these offences lucrative and change the public's behaviour to make them a part of our effort."

The police are now targeting those who commit the most offences, modelling specialist operations on successful ones by Trident and Sceptre.

The Commissioner, continued: "Trident has had a huge impact on reducing the risks posed by the highest harm gang members; Sceptre has demonstrated the genuine impact that a specialist taskforce model can bring to bear and our prevention work is making it harder for criminals to operate and then evade arrest.

"In parallel, we are also targeting criminals' money, and seizing substantial amounts.

"We know that our criminal cohort committing crime on scooters also carry knives, have links to networks who handle stolen property and who deal drugs. So if you are a persistent phone thief - using a scooter to commit your crimes - and we can prove your involvement in other offences, such as drug dealing, you will be arrested."

The Commissioner is also urging people to follow security advice and to tell their police about those who are responsible for crime in the community to help them be brought to justice.