Five arrests specifically targeting moped related crimes were made in Merton last week, police have said.

Merton Borough Commander Steve Wallace has released information about the arrests, which he says is in response to heightened concerns around theft and moped-enabled crime that include drug, offensive weapon and assault offences.

Latest figures show at least one moped-related crime takes place every hour in the capital.

Chief superintendent Wallace said the first arrest came after a police chase with a moped displaying a stolen license plate carrying two passengers on Monday June 12. Police say the pillion rider ran from police and was arrested on theft and drug offences.

On June 13, another arrest was made after a moped rider reportedly drove their vehicle into a police car in a bid to escape.

Two arrests were made on June 15 after stop and searches on suspicion of handling stolen goods, knife possession and possession of a class A drug. On June 17, someone riding a moped was arrested was on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon.

News of the arrests come as Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick launched the 'Be Safe' campaign today, June 23, focused on preventing theft of scooters.

This campaign supports Operation Venice, the Met’s response to scooter, motorcycle and moped related crime, which has seen a rise in offences across London. Figures show that over 15,000 scooters, motorcycles and mopeds were stolen in London in the last year.

Recent figures show there were over 14,000 moped-enabled crimes in London last year, a seven-fold increase on 2015.