'Significant' number of phones stolen from clubs

Police received more than 30 reports of phone theft across two weekends

A "significant" number of mobile phones have been stolen from nightclubs in a city, police say.

Avon and Somerset Police said it was dealing with more than 30 reports of phone theft in Bristol at venues on Park Street, the harbourside and elsewhere over the last two weekends of September.

High-value iPhone and Samsung models were taken from purses and handbags, with 11 devices reportedly taken from two venues on one night.

The majority of victims were in their late teens or early 20s, police said.

PS Michael Friis, of the Bristol neighbourhood policing team, said people should be "vigilant" and keep their property safe if they are going out.

"While one venue appears to be the main target, other offences have been reported at a number of other bars," Mr Friis said.

"We want people to be wary, to be aware of who and what is around them, and to speak to security staff or police if they have any concerns about individuals or any suspicious behaviour."

He added that some stolen phones had been traced, recovered and returned to their owners.

Extra protection measures

Police advised people to take measures to keep their personal data safe, including setting up a device tracking app which would enable users to remotely wipe all personal data from their phone, lock it and suspend mobile payments.

They also said to use biometrics like fingerprint or facial recognition for extra protection.

Taking note of the device's unique IMEI number could also ensure that the mobile provider could stop the phone being used across its networks.

Anybody who witnessed the phone thefts is asked to contact police.