TEN mopeds have been stolen in 10 days in Darwen.

The most recent theft was between 3pm on Monday and 1am on Tuesday when a blue Hussar moped worth £400 (registration PO54 NLL) went from a back yard in Newton Street.

Thieves also struck at an address in Hindle Street between 7.30pm on Monday, November 24, and 8.30am yesterday, stealing a silver Piaggio, (registration PO53 NZB) valued at £1,000.

Detective Sergeant Ian Geogarty said: “We suspect local teenagers are responsible for these thefts.

“Some have been entering people’s back yards and breaking the chains of the mopeds before taking them.

“I appeal to anyone who sees anything suspicious in the area such as people riding mopeds without wearing a helmet, to contact the police immediately.”

Call Darwen CID on 01254 353841 or Crime-stoppers on 0800 555 111.