A thief who stuffed 38 stolen mobile phones down his trousers at a Libertines concert has been jailed for three years.

Emanuel Paraschiv, of Clarissa Street, Haggerston and his accomplice Marius Buzura, of Longbridge Road, Barking, were spotted acting suspiciously at the Birmingham’s Barclaycard Arena gig on Wednesday, January 27.

Officers later found 38 mobiles stuffed down Paraschiv’s trousers.

The pair, both 30, admitted conspiracy to steal and were sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on Friday.

Insp Gareth Morris said: “It’s an unfortunately 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.”