Man arrested after 53 phones stolen at Royal Blood gig

A man has been arrested on suspicion of theft after more than 50 mobile phones were stolen at a Royal Blood rock concert in Birmingham.

The 22-year-old suspect was detained in an operation based on intelligence suggesting fans had been targeted at some of the band's previous gigs, said police.

Officers said the man was found to have 53 phones in his possession which are believed to have been stolen during a concert by the rock duo at The Arena Birmingham on Saturday night.

Police are now encouraging the band's fans who had their phones stolen to contact them.

Detective Sergeant Jeff Clifford said: "Currently the vast majority of victims have been identified, but we urge anyone who attended the concert who is missing a phone to call 101. Log 671 19/11/17 being used to record new reports.

He added: "It's an unfortunate 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."

The band, which has been praised by Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page as "absolutely riveting", warned their fans on Facebook that their shows seemed to be being targeted by criminals.

"After reports of phone theft in Cardiff & Reading, we urge all fans attending our shows to be vigilant and to protect their personal property, particularly phones and wallets," the band wrote.

"We shall be contacting all tickets holders and have asked the promoters to increase signage at venues highlighting this risk.

"Additionally, we shall be increasing venue security to specifically target the perpetrators and will be liaising with the police in this matter.

"If anyone sees anything suspicious at our shows please speak to the venue security."