CLUBBERS are being warned to be on the look out for phone thieves.

Police have recorded 40 thefts in Colchester since the beginning of June.

The warning comes as one woman was arrested following an undercover police operation last weekend.

Jon Butcher, Colchester’s neighbourhood policing sergeant, said: “Phones are easy pickings because clubbers are not helping themselves.

“They need to remain vigilant and demonstrate good personal security.”

The undercover operation saw Jemma Rank, a 32-year-old unemployed woman, arrested and charged with two mobile telephone thefts.

Sgt Butcher added: “The more you drink, the more likely you are to misplace or leave your phone.”

Anyone with information should contact police in Colchester on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.