Police officers will use their vehicles to knock moped thieves off their bikes – even during high-speed pursuits, Scotland Yard has said.

Commander Amanda Pearson, of the Metropolitan Police in London front-line policing unit, said a hard-line approach using “tactical contact” is needed to stop dangerous chases and arrest suspects.

In a briefing at Scotland Yard on Friday, police chiefs warned there is no maximum speed for police cars to hit mopeds, and that it is a common misconception among moped thieves that officers will end their pursuit if the suspect drives dangerously or removes their helmet.

“A lot of them get up and run away, looking aghast at how dare we,” Ms Pearson said.