EXTRA police ­officers have been deployed in Glasgow to patrol music ­venues in a bid to stop gangs of thieves.

Police say organised criminals are stealing top-of-the-range phones from music venues in the city. And said gangs are also travelling the country.

Earlier this month, almost 20 phones were stolen from a gig at O2 ABC, in Sauchiehall Street. Thieves also targeted the Arctic Monkey's gig at The Hydro and stole seven mobile phones.

Hi-tech devices, including iPhones, iPads, BlackBerrys and other smartphones, are among those being stolen.