Moped muggers target commuters for phones
POLICE have released a CCTV image after a number of phone thefts by moped riders targeting commuters during rush hour.
Detectives are linking the robberies, which took place in Salford, the area around Victoria Station, the Manchester Arena and the Green Quarter area in the city centre.
The thefts have been taking place between 6.30am to 8am and 4pm to 9pm.
In each case, yobs riding a motorcycle or scooter have mounted the pavement and snatched mobile phones from unsuspecting victims. Greater Manchester Police have confirmed they are linking the series of incidents. A CCTV image of one of the incidents has been released by detectives which took place on Blackfriars Road, Salford, at around 5.40pm on Wednesday, January 17. During the incident, the robbers attempted to snatch the victim’s mobile phone, but were unsuccessful. In November last year, the M.E.N reported other snatches around the Shudehill area of the city centre. On Friday, November 17, police PC Chris Jackson recorded four reports of two men riding a black moped and attempting to snatch phones in just 30 minutes.
PC Chris Jackson, of GMP’s Salford Borough, said: “As the reports have come in, we’ve noticed a pattern and want to make people aware of what is happening while we try to put a stop to it.
“It’s so important that if people witness a robbery or become victim of a robbery that they contact us when they can, even if the offenders aren’t successful.
“I know the image is taken from a long distance but you can see the rider is wearing a white helmet and hi-vis vest, which would stand out in the dark at the time the offences are happening.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 6471 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.