A MOTHER whose son’s moped was stolen and torched has said the thieves could have been caught had a CCTV camera not been moved.

Christine Anthony campaigned for a streetlight and a security camera to be installed in an alleyway near Jackman’s Place in Letchworth GC last year but, despite being successful, the camera was moved to another location.

The 43-year-old has said that had it still been there the thieves who took her teenage son’s moped through the alleyway and then left it to burn near a children’s play area at Baldock Road Recreation Ground would have been captured on camera.

The theft and arson of the �700 yellow MBK moped took place on August 4 some time between 6am and 7am after Ms Anthony’s son Bradley had left it locked and parked outside his girlfriend’s house on the Jackmans Estate.

An investigation has been launched by the police but so far no arrests have been made.

“Had the lights been on and the camera was there it would’ve seen it as its pointed down that alley,” said Ms Anthony, who used to be on the neighbourhood watch team for the street.

“This camera would have caught the thieves and my son wouldn’t be facing the prospect of walking everywhere. We’re absolutely devastated.”

Andy Godman, North Herts District Council’s head of housing and public protection, said: “The location of mobile cameras is reviewed regularly, and are positioned wherever there is considered to be a greater need. In response to an increase in reports from the area, we recently moved a camera back near the alley.”

Anyone with information about the incident should contact police on 101, crime reference G2/12/1468, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.