watch your bikes !
Discussion
from a news item-
A mother said she was outraged after police refused to chase thieves who stole her sons' motorbikes - because the riders were not wearing helmets.
Pauline Nolan, from Greater Manchester, said officers told her they could not pursue the offenders in case they fell off and sued them.
Mrs Nolan, 44, said: "It's outrageous, I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
"Everything in this country is weighted towards the criminals, what about the victims? I think this kind of thing sends out the wrong message because people think they can get away with anything."
Mrs Nolan, from Droylsden, said she was driving home when she spotted two teenagers driving past her on her sons' motocross bikes. She contacted police who informed her they had also spotted the offenders.
She said: "I thought they'd got them but then the policeman told me they weren't allowed to chase them because they weren't wearing helmets.
"He said if there was an accident and they were injured then the thieves would sue the police. I didn't know what to say, I think even the policeman was embarrassed."
Inspector Martin O'Connor, from Greater Manchester Police, said: "In situations like this, officers need to carefully consider the safety of all road users before deciding whether or not it would be appropriate to begin a pursuit.
"This means taking into account the time of day as well as the prevailing weather and traffic conditions and the nature of the original offence and make a risk assessment based on all these circumstances. In this case, the decision was made it would not have been safe to pursue the bikes."
Mrs Nolan said her sons, Bradley, 11 and Ashley, 18, were devastated at the loss of the bikes, which were stolen less than two weeks ago. ENDS
Sad world!
A mother said she was outraged after police refused to chase thieves who stole her sons' motorbikes - because the riders were not wearing helmets.
Pauline Nolan, from Greater Manchester, said officers told her they could not pursue the offenders in case they fell off and sued them.
Mrs Nolan, 44, said: "It's outrageous, I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
"Everything in this country is weighted towards the criminals, what about the victims? I think this kind of thing sends out the wrong message because people think they can get away with anything."
Mrs Nolan, from Droylsden, said she was driving home when she spotted two teenagers driving past her on her sons' motocross bikes. She contacted police who informed her they had also spotted the offenders.
She said: "I thought they'd got them but then the policeman told me they weren't allowed to chase them because they weren't wearing helmets.
"He said if there was an accident and they were injured then the thieves would sue the police. I didn't know what to say, I think even the policeman was embarrassed."
Inspector Martin O'Connor, from Greater Manchester Police, said: "In situations like this, officers need to carefully consider the safety of all road users before deciding whether or not it would be appropriate to begin a pursuit.
"This means taking into account the time of day as well as the prevailing weather and traffic conditions and the nature of the original offence and make a risk assessment based on all these circumstances. In this case, the decision was made it would not have been safe to pursue the bikes."
Mrs Nolan said her sons, Bradley, 11 and Ashley, 18, were devastated at the loss of the bikes, which were stolen less than two weeks ago. ENDS
Sad world!
Edited by drags06 on Saturday 27th January 15:56
It seems that law and order is going down the toilet, being replaced by fining hard working citizens and flying around in helicopters for reality shows. It's totally unacceptable that the cops did not chase the theives, but they didn't do much investigation either. However if some mature biker decides to ride his bike with no lid, you can be sure they'll stop you and through the book at you. Soft target, easy money!!
Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff