POLICE have asked members of the public to look out in alleyways and cul-de-sacs for mopeds that “look out of place” and may have been stashed by thieves before being used to snatch mobile phones.

It follows a surge in the number of victims who have had their phones ripped from their hands by criminals on stolen mopeds in recent weeks. The majority of crimes are committed in the south of the borough, but police believe criminals may head north to Hampstead to steal bikes, which are then “laid up” before being used.

In a message to residents, PC Nick Dayton said that most of the snatches are committed by young males on stolen mopeds. “These mopeds will usually be laid up in a quite out of the way location so the thieves can return and use them again for the next offences. Can I ask all of you to consider out of the way garage area and cul-de-sacs.”