Thefts of mobile phones from children are rocketing.

The number of phones reported stolen in Brighton has soared by more than 400 per cent in the last three years.

Police said children were the main targets and warned them to be careful where they used their mobiles.

Detective Inspector Paul Fullwood, of Sussex Police, said: "On the one hand it's safer for young people to carry a mobile phone with them but then again they may be attacked for it.

"I urge people to be careful. Make calls in a public area and try not to walk alone at night."

Youths walking around the city at night were the likeliest targets for thefts