ORGANISED gangs of mobile phone thieves are targeting music fans in Glasgow and stealing thousands of pounds' worth of gadgets.

Police launched an investigation after dozens of handsets, worth an estimated £10,000, were stolen at a gig at the Hydro. The haul, which included iPhones and Blackberries, was stolen from fans in the crowd during the Kasabian concert on Wednesday night.

Groups of pickpockets are thought to have targeted the event, with scores of phones stolen that night.

A police source said: "We've received information that criminal gangs were targeting fans of specific bands.

"Pickpockets can easily get close to people in crowds.

"And if people are dancing or jumping around, they may not notice when their bags or pockets are targeted."

There is a ready market in the UK for stolen phones: the latest Apple products retail at around £500.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: "We're investigating a number of mobile phone thefts from Wednesday's concert at The Hydro in Glasgow."

Police have become aware of gangs travelling around the UK targeting gigs.

Earlier this year, extra police officers were drafted in to patrol Glasgow music venues in a bid to stop thieves.

The move came after 20 phones were stolen from fans during a gig at O2 ABC, in Sauchiehall Street.