A MOTHER whose son completed odd-jobs for neighbours to buy his own moped is offering a £500 reward after it was stolen.

Declan Furniss, 16, worked hard mowing lawns, washing cars and clearing paths last winter to earn enough money to buy the £1,200 Sym Jet moped which was stolen from the front of his Skerne Park home on Monday night.

The family had only recently moved to Darlington from Catterick Garrison and Declan’s mum Victoria said they were “gutted” to have been targeted by thieves within their first month.

She added: “Declan worked so hard for the moped, he paid for most of it himself and it was his pride and joy.

“Somebody must know what has happened to it and I hope the £500 reward will encourage someone to come forward and help us get it back.”

The moped has a 50cc engine and is red and white.

Mrs Furniss said she believes the thief returned to their property several days after the theft as a man in his twenties was spotted in their back garden but he jumped over a six foot fence before he could be caught.

PC John Forster of Darlington Police, who is investigating the theft, said: “We would always urge anyone with bikes and mopeds to lock them to something solid and keep them out of sight, preferably in a shed or garage."

Anyone with information about this incident should contact police on 101 and ask for PC Forster.