Officers find man with 53 stolen phones in ‘targeted’ operation at chart-toppers’ gig

A man has been arrested after more than 50 mobile phones were reported stolen at a music gig of a chart-topping group. Royal Blood performed in front of 15,000 fans at The Arena Birmingham on Saturday night (November 18), where West Midlands Police (WMP) says the thefts took place. A proactive operation – set up by local officers after intelligence suggested gig-goers had been targeted at previous performances by the chart-topping band – led to the man being detained in nearby Broad Street. A total of 53 stolen phones were recovered from the 22-year-old, who was held on suspicion of theft. Officers are now appealing for people who attended and had their phone stolen to contact them. Detective Sergeant Jeff Clifford said: “Currently the vast majority of victims have been identified, but we urge anyone who is missing a phone to call us. He added: “It’s an unfortunately a reality that large crowds at concerts such as this make rich pickings for career criminals. “You can reduce the chances of falling victim to such crimes by remaining extra vigilant when attending busy events.”