30 mobile phones reported stolen from Newcastle gig

Northumbria police are urging music fans to be on guard after 30 mobile phones were reported stolen at a gig this week

The thefts happened during the Rise Against concert at the Academy on Wednesday night

They're telling people to make sure we keep an eye on our possessions

Neighbourhood Inspector Steve Wykes said: "We are investigating these thefts and are appealing for information which could help our enquiries.

"We also want to remind people to keep their mobiles and other valuables safe when they go out for the night.

"Please be vigilant and don't make it easy for thieves to strike, think about crime prevention."

This advice includes never leaving phones or other property, such as purses and wallets, unattended on tables, chairs or in coats or handbags left on the back of chairs.

Revellers should make sure they can feel their property close to them at all times, either in zipped up compartments or pockets.

He added "I'd urge people to make sure they keep their phones, bags and other belongings safe and make sure they're stored in a handbag or pocket that can be securely closed and not easily accessed by a thief.

"We would also encourage people to use GPS technology installed on their mobile phone and use apps such as 'find my phone' or similar. This can really help us should your phone be stolen, it means we stand a much better chance of finding it and getting it back to you."

"Our activity to target mobile phone thieves is on-going, we will continue to work with our partner agencies and target those responsible. I would urge people to help us and make it even more difficult for thieves to steal mobile phones.