A surge in moped crime in parts of Brent has led to a policy U-turn which will see police chasing down moped gangs on new scrambler bikes.

Residents in Queens Park and Kensal Green have been blighted by moped attacks in recent months and calls were made for the Met to up their game.

The measures announced by The Met on Tuesday include BMW scrambler motorbikes capable of chasing runaways down alleyways.

They are also trialling DNA sprays which are sprayed on a fleeing suspect. When the suspect is caught, a UV light can link the person to the scene of a crime committed in the past.

Stinger devices will also be rolled out by police, which aim to deflate a moped’s tyres.

Police have previously been fearful of purusing moped gangs because of the consequences that may face them if a rider falls of their bike whilst being chased.

The Home Office announced last month that they would review police pursuit laws.

Reports of moped related crime in Brent have increased including a young woman who was mugged by two moped riders on Palermo Road, Kensal Green just after 10pm on October 23, whilst on a moped herself.

There have also been reports on social media of men armed with knives on a moped circulating Kensal Green tube station on October 14.

Brent residents were invited to a drop in session organised by Hampstead and Kilburn MP, Tulip Siddiq. Members of the public had the opportunity to quiz police representatives at the event in Swiss Cottage last week.

At the session was Insp Lynne Forster of the Kilburn safe neighbourhood team. She told the Kilburn Times: “I did find the meeting useful especially with my colleagues from Camden present as well.

“It gave local people the opportunity to bring their concerns directly to me, and I really do welcome any chance the community get to share their views directly with me. I look forward to working with those residents and the community as a whole to address any issues which is impacting on their lives.

“I found the residents very supportive and I believe they were appreciative of our discussions which I have since followed up via e-mail.”