AIBU to be frustrated at what I've just witnessed?

[Mumthedogsbeensick]

I was driving through a housing estate today and stopped at traffic lights behind a police car. While we were waiting a motorbike with two young lads on and not wearing helmets drove past the police car and gave them the finger. The police car remained at the lights until they changed and then we continued down the road. The lads on the motorbike appeared again driving along the path and then pulled in front of the police car swerving from side to side again giving them the finger and generally goading them. I understand it's not safe to give chase to motorbikes but I was so angry and frustrated that they just got away with it. Ds 13 was in the car with me and was so shocked that these boys could basically do what the hell they wanted to do. I actually wanted to overtake the police car and push the little bastards off the bike I was that mad. AIBU to feel so bloody angry about it?

No you're not. They drive up and down my road with no regard for any other drivers or pedestrians. Drives me mad. The police need to be given more powers to do something in situations like this.

They are terrorising our neighbourhood. It's horrific behaviour. Really awful - I love where I live but am very very strongly considering moving.

YANBU.

Yanbu, these little gits annoy the hell out of me.
When they get annoyed suddenly everyone is upset.

Hurt*

If the police chased them, they would be:

a. doing exactly what the boys wanted - being chased by the police is a badge of honour.
b. endangering the public as the boys would doubtless drive like idiots to escape.
c. endangering the lives of the boys - who, however annoying, do not deserve to die/suffer serious injury - just because they are idiots.

The liklihood is that the police know who they are and have recorded the incident on their dash cam for use as evidence. They can confiscate the bike later.

YANBU I would report the police car to the police station. Those policemen were not doing their jobs. Clearly the police dept need to recruit better and train better. Poor real life example for your 13yo.

They can't chase them, unfortunately but I'm sure they were as riled as you!

They might already be known to the officers who probably weighed up the situation and decided it was the wrong time to take the bait.

misshelena Report them for what? In all likeliehood they shouted it up to the control room who would refused to authorise a pursuit. And if they knew who they were then the will get them later.

misshelena I've watched enough reality police tv shows to know that you are wrong and dumbledore345 is correct. They won't chase for the reasons stated but you can bet they know the identity of the bike riders and will deal with it appropriately.

It's difficult to feel safe when you see what little respect the police do, and what little power they have.

The police need to be a force of power. Criminals should fear the police and dread prison.

what dumbledore said

There have been a few cases in the news recently about men being killed (or getting themselves killed, however you want to look at it) during a police chase. It's a massive issue for the police so, unfortunately, it's best they just let them go and don't chase them.

misshelena The police officers in this situation can't do any thing right. You are damned if you do and damned if you don't. I'm sure the boys were regular goady twits and the fixers took an informed decision not to respond. This does not mean that they wouldn't deal with it later. So save your moaning for something else.

Men and kids/youths, that should be.

The liklihood is that the police know who they are and have recorded the incident on their dash cam for use as evidence. They can confiscate the bike later.
I suspect this is true, but it still gives absolutely the wrong message to any other youngsters around. And it puts other road users in danger.

The police need to be a force of power. Criminals should fear the police and dread prison.

It's arguable that the definition of a criminal is someone who doesn't fear the police (or the consequences of their own actions)

When the punishment for stealing two shillings was hanging, we didn't have a crime free idyllic country. Just a country with lots of hanged thieves (often children).

This used to happen a lot where I used to live. If the riders are not wearing crash helmets, the police are not allowed to pursue in case the little darlings fall off and hurt themselves. Beggars belief!

Nick Report that the policemen were not doing their job and allowing those guys to continue their joyride, putting others in danger. But, if as you speculate, they knew who those guys were and are getting them later, OP will be told and can then feel better. Win-win.

Chasing was probably not feasible, but I still think the police dept need to train policemen to do something right then and there because not doing anything is allowing the joyriders to continue to endanger everyone on the road.

They'll be know to the police, they were after a reaction and didn't get one.

If it helps you feel better OP I went to school with a boy like one of the boys on the bike. The police waited until he tuned 18 and then that was it, his time was up, he got his 'reaction' but the police reacted when it was worth the hassle and they could actually charge him.

Silvery Please note that nowhere do I advocate "chasing".

Report that the policemen were not doing their job

It's a principle of UK policing that a policeman cannot be ordered to arrest anyone.

featherup But what about in the meantime? What if they hurt others on the road -- before they turn 18? I just think if they did something, even just scare those boys with some tough talk, that would help. The point is not to "get them", it's to make the road safer for everyone, now.

Lurking Please note that nowhere did I say "arrest". See my post to featherup.