Libertines gig-goer arrested after being caught with 38 'stolen' mobile phones in his trousers
A suspected thief was arrested with 38 mobile phones stuffed in his trousers at last night's Libertines gig at Birmingham's Barclaycard Arena.
Police moved in after reports that concert goers at the Libertines' Manchester performance had had mobile phones taken.
The suspect was spotted acting suspiciously by police and arrested along with another man who tried to get inside the venue.
Both of them had their trousers taped closed at the bottom of the legs and police suspect the mobile phones were stolen from people at the venue.
It is understood at least four people have already reported having phones stolen at the gig.
One of the suspects was arrested just before the gig on suspicion of going equipped. The suspect caught with the phones was arrested on suspicion of theft as he left after the concert.
The men, aged 30 and from London, remained in custody today.
Read the review of the gig here.
Insp Gareth Morris, who oversees local policing in the city, said: "It's an unfortunate reality that large crowds at concerts such as this make rich pickings for career criminals.
"We're hot on the heels of these offenders but you can also reduce your chances of falling victim to such crimes by remaining extra vigilant when attending busy events.
"If you think you had your phone taken last night, please get in touch with us and we can check whether or not we have been able to recover it."
People are urged to record details of their mobile phones and other valuables on the national property register at www.immobilise.com, which can help police reunite stolen items with owners.
Anyone with information about theft in Birmingham should call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
