Moped robbers target teens

TEENAGERS are being warned two robbers on a moped could be touring Stockport’s parks looking for victims.

Police are investigating a spate of thefts where youngsters have been threatened, sometimes with a knife.

In the latest a 17-year-old was attacked off Lumb Lane, Bramhall, and had his rucksack containing cash, bank cards and a key stolen.

He was approached on Friday at about 9pm by two males on a moped who threatened him with a bottle before throwing it at him.

Police describe the robber riding the dark coloured bike as a skinny, mixed race male, around 18-years-old and 6ft. He wore black jogging bottoms and a black waterproof coat. The passenger is said to be a stocky, white male, aged around 18, 6ft, with fair hair. He wore a black puffa jacket and jogging bottoms.

On the previous day there were two robberies within 15 minutes of each other.

The first was at Vernon Park, in Offerton, where a man, 22, and 18-year-old woman were threatened with a knife at 4pm by two men on a grey motorbike. They handed over their mobile phones - together worth £1,100.

One of the attackers is described as a slim, white male wearing grey shorts, a dark hooded top and a white and blue scarf. The passenger was a white male wearing a black hooded tracksuit and tinted black goggles.

Fifteen minutes later a terrified 13-year-old girl was threatened in a park off Brabyns Brow, Marple, by two men on a dark motorbike. She dropped her bag and fled, although it was later recovered

Police have appealed for witnesses and say the three incidents could be linked.

A spokesman said: “All three are being viewed as a potential series, particularly the two that occurred on the Thursday.

“These would have been a particularly harrowing experience for all involved. We would urge people to be aware of bikes when they are in parks or open spaces.”

A teenager was also threatened with a knife in a robbery on the canal tow path off Station Road, Marple Bridge, on March 20 at 5.10pm.

He handed over a £700 iPhone and a £400 watch to a man who rode off on a motorbike. The robber wore a white T-shirt, blue hooded top and a black bike helmet with blue squares on it.