Men jailed for 38 phones in trouser leg theft at gig

Emanuel Paraschiv and Marius Buzura had both taped the bottom of one trouser leg but only Paraschiv was found to have phones on him

Two men have been jailed after they stole 38 mobile phones from fans at a Libertines concert and stuffed them down one of their trouser legs.

Emanuel Paraschiv and Marius Buzura, both 30, from London targeted the audience at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham on 27 January.

Birmingham Crown Court heard Paraschiv, of Clarissa Street, Ilford, and Buzura, of Longbridge Road, Barking, admit conspiracy to steal on Friday.

They were each jailed for three years.

More on this story and other updates from Birmingham

A total of 38 mobile phones were found in Emanuel Paraschiv's trouser leg which was taped at the bottom, police said.

Police said there had been reports concert-goers were targeted at the band's performances in Manchester on 23 January.

Anyone who thinks they may have had their phone taken should contact police.

Police said there were reports of similar phone thefts at the Libertines concert in Manchester on 23 January

The Libertines performed at the Barclaycard Arena in Birmingham on Wednesday 27 January