POLICE have launched an investigation into a spate of mobile phones thefts from bars and clubs in the town centre.

Officers are linking 15 crimes involving mobile phones being stolen during the weekend – with 14 of them taking place between 11.30pm on Saturday and 3am on Sunday.

All of the phones taken were Smart phones and were either iPhones, Blackberrys or Samsung Galaxy.

Seven of the thefts happened in Vodka Revolution, three occurred in Aqua Eight and additional incidents were reported from revellers in Bowmans, Bettys, Liquid nightclub and a kebab shop in Upper Orwell Street.

An additional incident also occurred between the same hours the night before in Sin Bar but police are still linking all of the crimes.

One of the victims, a 24-year-old woman from Ipswich – who asked to remain anonymous – said: “I was in Vodka Revolutions and it wasn’t until I went to the bar that I noticed that my bag was half open and that my phone had been taken. It was long gone by this point I reckon.

“I did think it was just a random thing but when I went to my phone company on Sunday they said lots of people had gone into the store saying their phones had been taken too.

“I think it is quite scary to think that actually I could have been targeted by someone who saw me on my mobile phone and then stole it when they got the chance.

“The police have been great, they said they were looking through CCTV and would keep me updated.”

A police spokeswoman urged anyone with information about the crimes to come forward. She said officers were investigating the 15 mobile phone thefts.

Anyone with information about the crimes is asked to call Sergeant Joanne Garrard from Ipswich Central Safer Neighbourhood Team on 101.