[ophic]

I agree, not a lot else the police can do. They didn't deploy this tactic until all the more orthodox methods had been proven to be ineffective. Some would argue that's far too much restraint.

It's a pyramid of crime. The mopeds are stolen, often with the threat or actual use of physical violence. The riders aren't licenced or insured - minor point here. Then it's daylight robbery backed up by more violence. Some proper nasty reports of hammers being used when people resist.

No blame attributed to the victims here but let's just say it doesn't really help that so many city dwellers wander around with their phone out and headphones on. I'll defend their right to do so in safety but the moped thieves would have a harder time if the phone was in a pocket and the potential victim was alert and aware of their surroundings.