Two men robbed of their bikes in Bury park

Date published: 20 May 2010

Thugs wielding baseball bats robbed bikes from two men in a Bury park.

The robberies took place within minutes of each other just before 7.30pm on Monday 17 May 2010, at St Mary's Park, off Bury New Rood.

In both cases the victims, aged 19 and 20, were sitting on their bikes with friends when a group of four youths approached them.

One of the group threatened the victims with a baseball bat, swinging it in their direction and saying he would hit them in the face with it.

Another offender lifted the bikes by the back wheel to try and unbalance the victims and force them off.

In fear of their safety, both victims got off their bikes and the offenders took them away. They left the park shortly afterwards.

The youth who carried the baseball bat is described as being Asian, about 5ft 10in tall and of medium build. He was wearing dark clothing and tried to cover his face with a black jumper.

The youth who tried to force the victims off their bikes is described as being white, about 5ft 11in tall and of medium build. He was wearing a baseball cap and a white jacket.

The bike stolen from the 20-year-old man is a BMX with green glitter on the frame and a bright green back brake cable. It has stickers on the handlebars and wheels.

Police Constable Mark Robertson said: "While nobody was hurt in these robberies, the victims were left shaken up by the actions of the offenders, who were willing to go to thuggish lengths to steal the bikes.

"A thorough investigation has been launched and I want to reassure people who take their bikes to St Mary's Park that we are working hard to ensure it remains a safe place.

"We are appealing for witnesses to contact us. The two main ringleaders were seen riding the bikes away and we are keen to know where they went next."

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 0161 856 9899 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Between April 2009 and March 2010, there were 1,052 fewer victims of robbery in Greater Manchester compared to the previous year, a drop of 14.9%.