A TEENAGER was robbed of his scooter after being threatened by a gang of youths with weapons.

It happened on Sunday shortly before 5pm in the Hell Wath Grove area in Ripon when the 17-year-old victim was approached by a group of teenagers.

The teenagers, all boys, threatened the victim with weapons and demanded the keys to his moped which was parked nearby.

The victim handed over the keys and one of the youths rode off on the scooter, while the others went off on foot.

The boy who rode off on the scooter is described as aged 16 or 17, wearing a black jacket, grey trousers, black trainers and a black balaclava.

The other suspects are described as also being around 16 or 17 and dressed in dark clothing.

The scooter was later discovered abandoned on Long Meadows in Ripon.

Increased police patrols are being conducted in crime hot-spot areas and Inspector Alex Langley, said:“We believe these crimes and incidents of anti-social behaviour are being committed by local youths and we are conducting a number of enquires in order to identify these individuals.

“We would also ask parents of teenagers to pass on any information you think could assist. Do you know where your child was yesterday evening?

"Were they out in Ripon? Were they part of a bigger group? Do your children know anything?

“The information provided by the public is key to helping us target our patrols, identify those responsible and prevent this criminal activity in the future.

Anyone with any information about the incident or witnesses to any crime or trouble in Ripon is asked to contact police on 101.