Two cars stolen

Police are appealing for witnesses after two cars were stolen in Rochdale.

The first took place at 12.40pm on Sunday 10 February 2013 after the 21-year-old victim arranged to meet the offender outside a house on Oldham Road. The offender had responded to an advert to buy the victim’s grey Audi S3.

As the victim pulled up, the man opened the driver’s door and put him in a headlock, dragging him out of the car. He was then punched in the stomach before the offender drove off.

The man is described as being white in his early or mid 20s, of medium to large build, had short brown hair at the sides and longer curly hair on top. He was around 5ft 10in tall, wore a high visibility jacket, dark denim jeans and tanned coloured boots.

The second incident happened at 4.20pm on Friday 15 February 2013 when a 26-year-old man arranged to meet the potential buyer of his grey Audi S3 outside a house on Oldham Road.

Two men started talking to the victim and asked could they test drive his car. He gave them the keys and they got in and drove off towards Rochdale town centre.

One man is described as being white, in his early 20s, 6ft tall and had a large build. He had black hair that was short at the sides and curly on top and was wearing a grey polo shirt with a collar and grey jogging bottoms with brown hiking boots.

The second man was white, in his 20s with a medium build and fair hair, 5ft 8in tall and was unshaven. He wore a zipped grey hooded top and dark jeans.

Police Constable Dave Harrison from the Volume Crime Team said: “As the circumstances to both crimes are very similar, we believe these crimes are linked and that the same man is involved. On both occasions, a grey Audi S3 has been stolen.

“I would ask anyone who may have witnessed these cars being stolen or recognise the description of the offenders to contact police. I would also urge people to be vigilant when meeting potential buyers, particularly if they are selling an Audi A3.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 0161 856 1491 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.