CRIMINAL gangs from Eastern Europe could be behind the organised thefts of hundreds of phones from concert-goers in Bournemouth.

Thousands of pounds’ worth of handsets have been stolen during gigs at the town’s top venues.

At least 50 were reported stolen during a Biffy Clyro gig at the BIC recently.

The previous month, dozens of people discovered their phones were missing after an Example concert at the same venue.

And a man was arrested and cautioned after phones were stolen during a performance by Knife Party at the O2 Academy in Boscombe in early February.

Now police and venue bosses have urged the public to be on their guard against the ever-increasing problem of phone theft.

Cllr David Smith, the council cabinet member responsible for the night-time economy, said: “Although there is no direct evidence, I strongly suspect that Eastern European gangs are behind a lot of these crimes.

“I can only urge concert-goers to be extremely careful in how they store their phones and personal possessions on their bodies.”

Gail Gillard, whose 16-year-old son Jacob had his iPhone stolen from his front pocket at the Biffy Clyro concert, said: “It certainly took the shine off his night. It was a real shame.”

And she claimed BIC staff were ‘patronising and unhelpful’ when she complained to the manager.

“It was appalling customer service,” she said.

“They are apparently well aware these gangs are operating so they either need better security or they need to deal with the aftermath better.

“They should have put out a tannoy message asking for everyone affected to congregate in one place.

“Then they could have given everyone the crime reference number and given all the under-18s a chance to phone their parents.”

Staff at the BIC stressed regular warnings are given on screen and over the tannoy but asked customers to be vigilant.

Steve Piper, BH Live director of venues, said: “We actively encourage our customers to be vigilant at all times and report any suspicious behaviour to our security.

“I would encourage members of the public to make sure their valuables, like mobile phones, are kept as safe as possible when they are in crowded locations like music venues.

“Make sure they are not easy for thieves to access.

“For example, don’t leave mobile phones in baggy pockets or in a bag that a thief could easily slip their hand into without you realising. Also, always use your mobile phone’s security lock code if it has one.”

Anyone who has information about the theft is urged to call Dorset Police on 101 or the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.

l Two men, aged 23 and 34, were arrested after thefts at the Example concert.

The 23-year-old has been charged with three counts of handling stolen goods and is due to appear before Bournemouth magistrates on April 23.

The 34-year-old remains on police bail pending further inquiries.