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?

I remember one of the many 'Traffic Police' programmes from a few years ago. A patrol car passed a car with a family inside and a small boy in this car was giving the finger to the officers. Quite rightly, the constable driving was having none of it and the family's car was pulled over. As I remember it, the constable expressed his considerable displeasure to the driver (the boy's father) and gave the oik in question a stern lecture as well. Dreadful child was already in floods of tears (hopefully of shame and fear). No doubt a proper bollocking from father was in order later on. Well done constable. Nicely handled.

You are complaining they didn't pursue them.
WRONG Nick. Go back and read it again.

Are you on glue? What happens when the kids fall off and are injured?

No, Mael, glue is not my palliative of choice. Nowhere did I recommend chase. Please refer back to my posts. Calm down. It's not personal.

So what are you complaining about? What are the alternatives that you seem to know about?

Can't say i would have sympathy.
We have these idiots doing this by us, they've riden on the pavements nearly into people, they don't care and know the police can't stop them.

Agreed, actions have consequences. They need to learn that. Maybe a chase resulting in them falling off would be what they need to learn, and it would be a warning to others.

Agreed, actions have consequences. They need to learn that. Maybe a chase resulting in them falling off would be what they need to learn, and it would be a warning to others

But that's the issue isn't it? Many actions don't have the consequences that deter people, or those consequences are held as a badge of honour or so small that they don't impact on the persons life and therefore it doesn't serve as a deterrent. Maybe if penalties were a bit harsher for some crimes or anti social behavior, it may deter some from escalating. There will always be an element of society that won't be deterred but I do think that if the consequences of their actions impact on their life then a lot can be deterred.
My personal view is that if you ride a motorcycle without the correct equipment, ride it irresponsibly and put your own and others lives at risk, and/or use it for something illegal, you've had the choice to do that, no ones forced you, so if the police spot you, then you accept the risk of trying to escape when they do their job of upholding the law. If you're injured or killed then it's a direct consequence of your actions and choices, and unless they are also reckless, not the fault of the police. I doubt many will agree with me though.