MAG has described the most recent acid attack as a ‘new low in bike crime’ and expressed its frustration at the shocking assault on a rider, potentially leaving him with a visual impairment.

MAG has offered its sincere sympathy to the victim of the attack, a delivery moped rider named Muhammed Nawshad Kamal, who was assaulted by thugs attempting to steal his moped in the Walthamstow area of London.
MAG’s London Regional Representative Tim Fawthrop said ‘there’s not much to say which helps in this situation, except that a shudder went through the riding community when news of this attack became known.  We’re already working with local authorities and the police to reduce bike crime, but our efforts have come too late for Mr Kamal and that grieves me as a rider and us as a movement.’

MAG’s National Chair, Selina Lavender, adds ‘after the relative success of preventing mass lawbreaking at Halloween, this incident dampens the mood and leaves me feeling exasperated that such criminal, lawless behaviour still exposes riders to continual danger.  We’re drawing up a plan of action which we intend to share with relevant groups later in November, and with the next Home Office anti-bike crime meeting shortly after that.  If ever there was a dreadful example of the constant peril bikers have to put up with, the attack on Mr Kamal is it.’

MAG understands that the police have arrested two teenagers for this attack and that acid was thrown at the victim more than once.  While there are options regarding the penalty, it is worth noting that there have been calls for involving the parents or guardians.  It has also been pointed out that compensation is a factor, given the potentially permanent effect this attack will have on the rest of the victim’s life.
There is provision in law to hold people for very long periods if their crimes are serious enough and courts can commit people of any age to detention at Her Majesty’s pleasure, potentially indefinitely.

In separate incidents, a man in Merseyside was fatally stabbed by a number of criminals who used scrambler bikes for the assault, and reports are coming in regarding yet another acid attack.  These appalling crimes underline the national nature of this epidemic.  MAG is investigating the situation and has previously engaged with police on these matters.

Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or central-office@mag-uk.org

MAG has praised the law enforcement agencies and local authorities for a concerted effort which prevented a repeat of last year’s ugly scenes around the country, when lawless yobs invaded the streets of a number of towns and cities in a deliberate attempt to cause disorder.

Selina Lavender, the Chair of MAG, has expressed her satisfaction at the progress: ‘we were determined to prevent a second round of thuggery on two wheels this year, after the mayhem which was so widely reported in 2016.  I’m glad to say that the collective effort, including the police, local authorities and other groups such as We Ride London, the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Community, a very active Facebook group in Birmingham and, of course, MAG, have provided intelligence and collective will to the momentum against these criminals.  There was a bit of trouble in Romford at the weekend; however, apart from that, the main activities were children trick-or-treating with their parents and others just having a good time.’

Selina attributes the success to planning and communication.  ‘There were a number of arrests before Halloween, with many more potentially being charged.  No doubt this had a positive effect, stopping these yobs from thinking they can do what they want in our streets.  MAG has communicated with police forces and Councils in all the areas that were most affected in 2016. The law enforcement agencies are the ones that have done the real work on the ground and should be praised for this. I think we’ve learned a lot about what works and it’s also been a good relationship-building process.  I want to thank our activists for being so proactive and working with the authorities so effectively.  Theft and bike-jackings continue to be a major worry for riders.  As far as Halloween goes, the fact that there was no repeat of the anarchy we saw last year is less a matter for celebration than relief.’

Those charged with offences will be tried in due course.  MAG believes these prosecutions will be a salutary warning to others that their antics will be repaid with penalties through the courts.

Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or central-office@mag-uk.org

MAG has slammed the ‘irresponsible and dangerous behaviour’ of 200 antisocial hooligans in Leeds as ‘the worst example of behaviour in recent years

One of MAG’s Representatives, Richard Manton, has distanced the organisation from any association whatsoever with the antics of the louts: ‘MAG has been promoting responsible and considerate riding for over 40 years.  An overwhelming majority of riders respect and uphold the principles of good roadcraft along with skillful and thoughtful use of our highways.  From time to time any activity can attract a hooligan element that reflects very badly on the individuals themselves.

‘These people are not riders in the proper sense, but irresponsible people on two wheels, just as some choose to act irresponsibly on four wheels – or on foot.  MAG would like to reiterate that those tearing through the streets on motorcycles with complete disregard for others are not a true representation of the majority of riders in the UK, and deserve to be prosecuted for breaches of the laws currently in place in the interests of public safety.’

The Chair of MAG, Selina Lavender, says the organisation is contacting the police and the local authorities to discuss how best to address these issues in the longer term.  ‘The laws already exist to prosecute these immature and irresponsible people.  We’re exploring whether there is a way MAG can assist with educating people to understand the idiocy of this behaviour and thereby use social pressure as a powerful tool to prevent a recurrence of such incidents in future.’

Contact MAG at 01926 844 064 or central-office@mag-uk.org