POLICE are warning concert-goers to be on their guard following a spate of mobile phone thefts from venues in Bournemouth.

There were reports of phones being stolen during the Example concert at the BIC on Monday. Two men, aged 23 and 34, were arrested and released on police bail.

One man who had his phone stolen said he'd been told by staff at the BIC that more than 120 phones had been taken.

One man, who didn't want to be named, said at least 126 people were stolen from during the evening.

“There was a bit of an atmosphere, and we found out afterwards that lots of people had been stolen from,” he said.

“My girlfriend was one of them. I've heard that most of the phones stolen were iPhones - people had been recording the gig on their mobiles, and the thieves were watching to see which pocket they went in.”

Around 5,300 people attended Monday's concert. 

The man said: “We went to the police station in Bournemouth, and there were loads of people from the concert waiting there. They were absolutely fuming.”

Steve Piper, the BH live director of venues, said customers are always encouraged to keep an eye on their possessions.

“We actively encourage our customers to be vigilant at all times and report any suspicious behaviour to our security,” he said.

Last week a 25-year-old man was detained and given a formal caution after reports that a number of phones had been stolen at the 02 Academy in Boscombe on the evening of Saturday, February 2.

DS Greg Tucker from Bournemouth CID said: “I would encourage members of the public to ensure their valuables, like mobile phones, are kept as safe as possible when they are in crowded locations like live music venues. Make sure your valuables are not easy for thieves to access.

“Always use your mobile phone’s security lock code.”