A group of balaclava-wearing men on mopeds are believed to be involved in a string of robberies after 18 were reported in just one week.
Greater Manchester Police is currently investigating the series of moped robberies in Stockport, which took place between September 13 and 19.
Police say many of the incidents involve a group of males on mopeds, usually wearing balaclavas and sometimes armed with hammers.
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In many of the reports to GMP, the group have either being driving erratically or have threatened and stolen a moped from the victim.
On other occasions, they have demanded the victim hand over personal property, including wallets and phones.
Thankfully, no serious injuries have been reported, GMP says.
Three males have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery and have since been released on bail.
Detectives are now treating these reports as linked and are appealing for information from members of the public.
Detective Inspector Ian Wrench, of GMP’s Stockport district, said: “All the incidents reported to us have followed a very similar pattern of offending so we now believe these to have been committed by the same group of offenders.
"We’re appealing to the public to help us identify those responsible so we’re particularly keen to speak to anyone who may have witnessed a group of males on mopeds, either driving dangerously or committing these offences, in or around the Stockport area.
“If you have dash-cam, mobile or CCTV footage that you think could assist our investigation then please get in touch.
"No matter how insignificant you think the information might be, it could form a vital part of the investigation.”
Anyone with information or footage should contact police by calling 0161 856 9625 or 101.
Alternatively, details can be passed on using GMP's LiveChat function at www.gmp.police.uk or to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
