Pickpocket arrested in Factory 251 had eight mobile phones hidden in trousers

A man local to the Manchester area was arrested on Saturday the 24th of January at the student-popular nightclub Factory 251 after being caught pickpocketing in the crowd.

Carlo Lanzon, 31, was caught by plain clothed officers who were on duty in the nightclub on the evening of the incident.

When caught, Lanzon was discovered to have a total of 8 mobile phones concealed down his trousers that he had stolen from club-goers throughout the night.

Lanzon was arrested at the venue itself and on Monday the 26th of January was charged at Manchester Magistrates Court.

Factory 251, owned by former Joy Division band member Peter Hook, has been recovering its reputation since parts of the roof of the nightclub came loose and fell onto patrons, injuring seven people nearly a year ago to date.

The incident arises in the wake of a recent public service announcement from the Greater Manchester Police warning students about safety surrounding house parties and alcohol awareness.

With Refreshers events welcoming back the student population of Manchester after the exam period, personal awareness should not be disregarded on nights out, helping to prevent more crimes such as this occurring, as students are notoriously targeted by thieves.

Greater Manchester Police stated that one in three victims of theft and burglary in Greater Manchester is a student, further stressing a need for greater safety consideration.