MOPED riders who have targeted Belsize residents in a series of violent robberies struck again this week. The Ham&High revealed last month how a pair of thieves riding a scooter had targeted three victims in a matter of days, leaving them bruised and shak

MOPED riders who have targeted Belsize residents in a series of violent robberies struck again this week.

The Ham&High revealed last month how a pair of thieves riding a scooter had targeted three victims in a matter of days, leaving them bruised and shaken.

At around 8pm on Monday the duo are believed to have carried out their fourth robbery, hitting a 38-year-old man driving along Fellows Road.

The moped driver blocked the path of his car while the passenger smashed the car windscreen and demanded the frightened victim hand over his watch.

The thieves, who had their faces covered with crash helmets took the watch and sped off.

Acting Det Insp Iain Maddison from Camden's Robbery Squad urged residents to be wary.

He said: "We are investigating a series of robberies, which have all involved a moped and may be linked. We are carrying out a rigorous investigation and urge the community to remain vigilant and contact police if they see anyone behaving suspiciously in the area."

The series began on Saturday May 16 at 3.25am when a man was punched and forced to hand over his property as he walked home along Eton Avenue. At around 11.30pm the following day a 55-year-old man who was trying to park his car in Belsize Square was head-butted by one of the two attackers before being robbed of his vehicle.

The moped riders struck again on Thursday May 20 at 9.30pm targeting a 59-year-old woman who was cycling along Eton Avenue. She was pushed to the ground and forced to give up her hand bag.

After the recent attack Sgt Ian Gilks, from Belsize Safer Neighbourhood's Team said: "In response to this most recent incident, police in Camden are providing a presence in the area using marked and unmarked police vehicles. We also have officers patrolling on marked motorcycles in order to arrest offenders and act as a deterrent. Concerned residents are encouraged to contact us on the numbers provided.