South Yorkshire Police have launched an investigation after a string of robberies in Burngreave in recent weeks.
Officers have received three separate reports of robberies, which saw members of the public being led to the back of an address on Ellesmere Road to collect a phone purchased via Facebook Marketplace.
A spokesperson for South Yorkshire Police said: “When they attend the address, there is no phone to be purchased, and the victims have been attacked by a group of two or three men, before having their possessions including phones and wallets stolen.
“Victims have sustained injuries during the incidents including a broken nose, cuts and bruises.”
A range of enquiries are being carried out to identify those involved in the incidents, with members of the local community urged to be aware of the scam and report any information which may assist the police.
PC Andrew Bellamy, from South Yorkshire Police’s Neighbourhood Crime Team, said: “We know that incidents like this are really upsetting and scary for victims, and also concerning for local communities.
“That’s why we’re asking for the public to assist by passing on any information they may have about those involved. Or, if you think you might have been approached by someone on Facebook Marketplace, who has offered to sell you a phone for collection from Ellesmere Road, we’re keen to hear from you.”
Members of the public are urged to pass any information to the police via their new online chat, online portal or by calling 101 and quoting the investigation number 14/187192/23.
The online portal can be accessed via www.southyorks.police.uk/contact-us/report-something/ .
For those with information who do not wish to provide personal information, Crimestoppers can be contacted via freephone on 0800 55 111 or online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/ .