Lib Dem leader calls for urgent action to help tackle what he calls London’s bike theft epidemic
He says a dedicated unit is needed.
The Leader of the Liberal Democrats is urging the Metropolitan Police to crack down on bicycle theft in London by creating a dedicated unit.
More than ninety per cent of bike thefts go unsolved, and wants to see ‘Operation Bike Bait’ launched to tackle the problem.
Lid Dem Leader Ed Davey believes his plan could make a big difference.
“Sadly, bike theft has become effectively decriminalised, both here in Wimbledon and across London, and I’m shocked to see that fewer than 1 in 10 cases are actually solved.
“Thousands of victims are being failed, whilst criminals get away without any consequences.
“The Liberal Democrats are calling for ‘Operation Bike Bait’, a dedicated unit that can work closely with local forces to tackle this spiralling problem.”
Liberal Democrat MP for Wimbledon Paul Kohler said:
“Whilst we have had fun this afternoon riding bikes and picking litter here on Wimbledon Common, there is a very serious message behind today’s story.
“This Government is not taking this theft epidemic seriously enough, and in failing to truly address the problem, they are neglecting local communities.
“People deserve to feel that if they’re a victim of a crime, justice will be served.”