Forum Topic

Moped riders in balaclavas on Clarendon Drive

I was walking home along Clarendon Drive tonight (Tues 6th Aug) around 7:30pm when a moped sped past at over 50mph. They were travelling East towards the RSPCA hospital. The rider and his passenger wore balaclavas but no helmets. This is the third time I have seen a moped ridden by the same or similar people and they are clearly targeting commuters walking home in the evening. It concerns me greatly that this awful trend is spreading from the more affluent areas of London to our neighbourhood. These criminals seem to think (probably correctly) that they can ride around targeting residents without any fear of being arrested. Last month when I had a day off work I saw another (sole) moped rider looking into cars along Felsham Road and surrounding streets at 11am. He was again heavily disguised. When I stopped to look at him he sped off.

Matt James ● 2654d9 Comments

Matt, I am also concerned about the moped riders.  I heard them before I saw them.  The noise was so loud that you couldn’t help but notice them.  The ones I saw weren’t in balaclavas and in the middle of the afternoon.  They stopped when they reached Gamlen Rd, then appear to go side by side to race to Charlwood Rd.  The first time I saw his happen they were going so fast towards Charlwood, they stopped with such a loud screech of the brakes, I thought there had been an accident. I have seen the moped riders several times in the day.  The speed is frightening.

Martine Guy ● 2653d

Has anyone informed the Police?

Chantal Blake-Milton ● 2653d

I reported my sighting. Not expecting anything unless they were speeding away from a crime.

Matt James ● 2653d

Just remembered I did see the moped riders in balaclavas on URR a couple of weeks ago.As regards Clarendon Drive, there were 2 of them.

Martine Guy ● 2653d

Hi Matt, the cycle gangs used to frequent Felsham Road a great deal until pavement pedestrian barriers were installed - it would seem they have simply moved elsewhere where they are not hampered by barriers that hinder their getaway.

Clifford Cowell ● 2653d

We’ve had these in West Putney too. They get away from any police patrol by racing down pedestrian-only Church Walk. They seem to focus on car crime. Not aware of any arrests.

Jonathan Callaway ● 2653d

I remember four or so years ago there was a spate of phone thefts by young males on moped in this area of Clarendon Drive. I suspect they think the road barrier will protect them from any car coming after them.

Mike Harris ● 2653d

The Police always want us to report these things on 101, just so they can record it and watch what's going on.

Bunny Payne ● 2653d

Suspicious looking mopeds with eg taped over plates etc can be seen every day on the roads running parallel to Felsham!The police should use microphones to monitor where they are, such a typical sound when these mopeds are travelling at 40mph+ in these 20mph side roads.

Richard Phipps ● 2653d