VIOLENT mobile phone thieves are targeting Walcot and Greenbridge.

The thieves appear to be targeting young men between 15 and 20, and are also stealing bicycles.

Police have received a large number of reports of thefts since the end of July.

On some occasions, offences have been committed by one person, while in others a group of two or three thieves have been working together.

A similar method is used each time. The thief either asks the time or asks someone to look at their mobile phone.

The victim's phone is then snatched.

On several occasions, phones have been taken from the owner's pocket, and victims have also been threatened with violence.

The suspects are all males between 15 and 20, of slim to medium build.

They vary between 5'ft 6 and 5'ft 11, and all wear baseball caps.

One youth has short blond hair, either shaven or spiky, a second youth has a spotty complexion and another has been seen using a black BMX bike.

Anyone with information should call Swindon Police on 01793 528111.