Man arrested for stealing 38 phones during The Libertines gig

Police discovered 38 mobile phones concealed in a man’s trousers after he was arrested for acting suspiciously at a concert in Birmingham. 

The police made the arrest at The Libertines gig on Wednesday evening, after two men aged 30 were seen trying to enter the city centre venue with their trousers taped closed at the bottom of their legs.

Police questioned one of the men and found with 38 phones concealed inside his trousers, leading to the arrest of both men on suspicion of theft.

The men remained in custody on Thursday where they continued to be questioned.

Phones stolen from gig-goers were found in the man’s trousers

The arrests are part of a current operation led by Birmingham Police, set up after intelligence informed police that audience members had been targeted at the band’s performances in Manchester as well.

Inspector 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.”

You can record details of a mobile phone and other valuables on the national property register at www.immobilise.com, which can help police reunite stolen items with their owners.

Anyone with information about theft in Birmingham are urged to contact police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.