A GROUP of thieves are stalking Swindon's pubs and clubs and stealing mobile phones from women enjoying a night out.

Police are keen to make people more aware of the thefts after a recent spate of women losing out.

PC Georgina Packford, of Swindon police, said that revellers should be careful about where they leave their handbags.

One woman has had her phone stolen eight times.

"We're getting a lot of women who are having their mobile phones stolen," she said.

"These people are specifically going out to do it and it's happening in all the major pubs and clubs.

"If there's an opportunity people will take it but there are people specifically targeting women putting their bags down. "They're putting their bags down for a second and they're just getting the phones and then dumping the bags."

The bars which have been targeted include Umbargo, Walk-about and Edwards, and police are struggling to catch those responsible.

"We've got no details of any suspects because the people don't realise until after it's happened," PC Packford said. "People should either leave them at home and I know a lot of women need them on a night out for safety, so if they need to take them out keep them secure.

"When you've had one too many make sure your bag is zipped up and with you at all times and don't broadcast the use of your mobile phone.

"It's just a case of using them as little as possible and being inconspicuous when you do use them because there are people out there who will steal them."

Sarah Leighfield, of Wrough-ton, Kirsty Fuller, of Freshbrook and Carla Wilkins, of Haydon End have all had phones stolen on a night out down at the bottom of town.

Sarah, 26, said: "It's happened to me eight times. It's obviously when you take your camera phone out to take pictures, they see you using it and then take it.

"They don't take anything else, it's always just the phone."

Kirsty, 21, was in Walkabout when she saw someone try to take her phone from her bag.

"It's happened to me quite a few times," she said. "One time I caught them and stopped them but other times they've taken them. It's frustrating because you try to call it but they never answer."

Carla, 25, added: "I had mine stolen a while ago and there's no way you will get it back."