Motorbikes are being stolen by conmen pretending to buy vehicles up for sale.

Five bikes have been stolen from right under their owner's noses in the last two months and police are alerting the public to the scam.

In all the cases, the victims have advertised the motorbike for sale through trade papers or online. On inspecting the vehicles, the prospective buyer took the bikes for a test drive and did not return.

The latest incident occurred on Wednesday, December 17, at around 7pm in Grand Avenue, Muswell Hill.

The male suspect agreed to meet the 29-year-old victim who was selling a Yamaha R6. The man took the bike for a test drive and did not return.

In each of the cases the suspect descriptions vary but police believe the thefts are linked.

The thefts have occurred across the borough, in Crouch End, Muswell Hill and Tottenham. Police are now alerting private sellers to be wary of a potential con.

Detective Constable Dave Williams of Haringey's motor vehicle team said: "The suspect pretends to be interested in purchasing a motorcycle and usually disappears with the bike having taken it on a test drive.

"We strongly urge anyone seeking to sell a vehicle privately to exercise caution, ask the potential buyer to bring their driving licence and insurance certificate showing they are insured to drive your vehicle, check the details add up, that the picture on the licence is that of the person you are dealing with and keep a note of their name and address."