Suspected Thief Caught With 38 Phones Stuffed Down his Trousers

A suspected thief was arrested after police found 38 mobile phones stuffed down his trousers.Officers noticed the man acting suspiciously at a Libertines gig at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham city centre on Wednesday night.

They searched the man as he left the concert and were shocked when they found 38 phones inside his trousers – which were taped closed at the bottom of his legs.

Another man, who also had his trousers taped, was also stopped by police as he tried to get inside the venue.

The duo, who are both 30 and from London, remained in custody on suspicion of theft and going equipped.

West Midlands Police launched an operation specially for the Libertines gig after music fans were targeted at another of the band’s concerts in Manchester.

Inspector Gareth Morris said: ‘It’s an unfortunately 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.’

Music lovers who were at the gig also took to Twitter to tell how they had their phones stolen as the Pete Doherty and Carl Barat were on stage.

@TheChanging-man tweeted the Libertines to say: ‘Had me phone nicked tonight during ur (sic) gig, as did many many others, put the word out to fans for the remainder of the tour boys.'[sic]

And @RosieMountjoy added: “‘eorge just had his phone stolen at The Libertines gig. They even tried to take his watch!!’