A rise in mobile phone thefts from Norwich nightspots is to be targeted by police as part of an impact event to be held in the city.

The Norwich East Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) is warning pub and clubgoers in the city to keep a closer eye on their mobile phones on a night out following an increase in thefts.

And to try to hammer home the message, police will be out in force in the city centre later this month as part of a high profile Impact event to target phone thefts from bars and also other problems related to the night-time economy, such as violence in Prince of Wales Road.

Sergeant Chris Brooks, from the Norwich East SNT, said: 'We want people to enjoy what the night time economy has to offer but stay safe at the same time. 'Theft of handbags containing phones or phones that have been left unattended make up the bulk of our crime reports from the night time economy.

'I would urge party-goers to take extra care over their belongings by making sure phones are not left unattended on tables or at the bar. By taking a few simple steps people can help avoid becoming a victim of crime.'

Sgt Brooks said he hoped the impact event, which follows similar events last month, would help reinforce the message to the public about the importance of being aware where their phones and other property is.

He said: 'We're asking people to be a little more aware. 'People have had a drink, put their phone down, turned their back on it, and the minute they have turned away, it's gone.

'We will have an Impact night about theft of mobile phones and generally raising awareness in the night-time economy and have some effect on the violence.

For advice about how to keep your mobile phone safe, call 101 or log on to www.norfolk.police.uk.

Have you got a crime story for the Evening News? Call reporter Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk.