MOBILE phone thefts have soared at an alarming rate - with children under 15 the most popular targets.

Even children as young as six and seven are being bullied into handing over their prized mobile phones by other children and statistics reveal that typical phone robbers are boys aged 14 to 17.

A Home Office report has revealed that the actual number of stolen mobiles was more than double the 330,000 figure officially recorded by police last year and many involve violence.

And the research suggests that were it not for mobile phones, street robberies could have levelled off in the last two years.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said they do not have a breakdown of the figures locally, but it is certainly on the rise.

Have you been attacked for your mobile phone? Contact the newsdesk on 01204 361270 or e-mail Internet Editor Chris Sudlow on csudlow@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk MOBILE phone thefts have soared at an alarming rate in Bolton and across the country -- with children under 15 the most popular targets.

Even children as young as six and seven are being bullied into handing over their prized mobile phones by other children and statistics reveal that typical phone robbers are boys aged 14 to 17.

A Home Office report has revealed that the actual number of stolen mobiles was more than double the 330,000 figure officially recorded by police last year and many involve violence..

Have you been attacked for your mobile phone? Contact the newsdesk on 01204 361270.