Four teenagers who used mopeds to rob people have been collectively jailed for 13 years.

The culprits threatened their victims with force, and on some occasions a knife, to steal phones, handbags, wallets and laptops.

Six scooters were also taken by force from their owners.

Sitey Mairuf, 19, of Colliers Water Lane, Thornton Heath, was sentenced to two and half years in prison.

A 15-year-old was sentenced to three and a half years in prison, a 16-year-old boy also received three and a half years jail time, which is to be added to a six year prison sentence that he was already serving, and another 16-year-old was given a four year sentence.

All four were sentenced at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday, November 30.

The teenagers were found guilty on November 3 of conspiracy to rob after a four week trial.

The court heard how the robberies and attempted robberies took place between December 2, 2016 and March 9, 2017.

Detective Constable Adam Barry said: “Police are working hard to keep the public safe and make the streets hostile territory for criminals who steal scooters, mopeds or motorbikes and then use them to commit crimes.

“These offenders rely on the unwariness of the public to commit their crimes.

“Therefore it is so important that the public remain vigilant at all times to protect their personal property.

“If anyone sees any suspicious activity or has any information about who is committing these crimes, please call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency call 999.”