AN INCREASING number of mopeds are being stolen in Thanet by joyriders who later abandon them.

Since October, 28 of the machines have been taken in Ramsgate alone with about half recovered by police at various locations in the area.

Police spokeswoman Gemma Pettman said: “There is no evidence to suggest that these vehicles are being stolen for any other purpose than joyriding. Someone must know who is responsible or have information about where the stolen mopeds are being taken.

“People can help us by reporting sightings of vehicles being ridden erratically or by people who don’t appear to be old enough to ride them.”

Many of the mopeds and motorcycles have been stolen from gardens and driveways and in some instances, heavy chains have not deterred the thieves.

Police say that keeping mopeds and motorcycles out of sight may prove to be more of a deterrent, and that it is wise to fit immobilisers.