Rise of moped muggers
A WORRYING new trend of moped riders mounting pavements and snatching mobile phones from people’s hands has spread to Salford.
Police say there have been a spate of mobile snatches in recent weeks, particularly around the Salford University area.
Incidents have also happened further towards Bolton Road, Irlam O’th Heights.
In each case the crooks are riding a moped or scooter, mount the pavement and take phones from unsuspecting victims.
A statement on the GMP Eccles Facebook page said: “We have seen a rise in personal robberies around Salford University towards Bolton Road, Irlam O’th Heights. Offenders are on mopeds, driving near the victims and snatching mobile phones from their hands.
“A reminder for people in the area to keep all things secure.”
Last month the M.E.N. reported on a number of similar mobile phone thefts around Victoria Station, the Manchester Arena and the Green Quarter.
In those incidents the yobs targeted victims when areas were busy with commuters between 6.30am to 8am and 4pm to 9pm.
Police released CCTV images of one of the snatches which took place on Blackfriars Road, in Salford, at about 5.45pm on January 17.
Greater Manchester Police have not been able to confirm if it is the same gang targeting victims in Salford and the city centre.
In November last year the M.E.N. reported further snatches around the Shudehill area of the city centre. On November 17, police recorded four reports of two men riding a black moped and attempting to snatch phones in just a 30-minute time period.
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 6471 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.