Dad’s anger as son’s phone stolen at gig
A MAN has spoken of his anger after his son’s phone was stolen at a Cardiff gig, which contained pictures and videos of his dying grandad.
Daniel Peers, 38, informed the security guards at Cardiff’s Motorpoint arena, and was told to head to the reception to fill out a lost property form.
The father of two, from Portsmouth, was visiting Cardiff with his 16-year-old son Rhys, to see metal band Slayer, who played at the venue on Monday, November 5.
Rhys is said to be devastated after coming to Cardiff to see his favourite band. His grandad has terminal cancer and their relationship is described as a loving one.
Mr Peers, said: “I have travelled to Wales plenty of times as I have friends here, it’s a lovely place. My son came with me for the concert as it’s his favourite band and we bought tickets in May.
“It was during the sixth song he felt someone trying to touch his pockets and pushed his phone down. We got separated and the next time I saw him, he said someone had taken his phone.
“Initially he was very apologetic and was blaming himself. He was very angry and upset and was asking why someone would do this. I explained it wasn’t his fault but the night wasn’t the same after.”
The 38-year-old was told to go to the reception and inform the staff there who helped him fill out a lost property form. He claims at the reception there were several other people who also allegedly had their phones pick-pocketed.
The phone stolen was a black Samsung A5.
“My dad is dying and is on his last stages. He has been terminally ill for three years and the cancer has spread to his bones. Rhys and his grandad have such a great relationship. There are childhood pictures and also recent pictures, of memories they will cherish forever. He has a horrible sick feeling in his stomach right now but we are trying to get him to remember the good times.”
The family say that the phone holds memories which can’t be replaced and will pay the postage costs for someone to return it.
Mandy Bryant, grandmother of Rhys, said: “The phone has photos on it of his 58-year-old grandad, who is dying and has very little time left.
“He is so upset, it completely ruined his whole day. We are hoping someone who knows about the phone will see and that they’ll do the right thing and return it. I will willingly pay the postage.
“It’s so much more than just a phone, it holds memories which can never be replaced.”
A spokesman for South Wales Police said: “We know there are groups of criminals who have travelled to concert venues, including those here in Cardiff, with the sole intention of stealing mobile phones.
“Having your mobile phone stolen can be expensive, an inconvenience and on occasions it may leave victims without a direct means of communication with family and friends.
“We work closely with the arena and remind concert-goers to take particular care of their bags and phones and to be particularly vigilant in order to protect their property.
“Many people carry their mobiles in their pockets, but at a busy event, this can mean they are easily dropped or sometimes stolen.
“Our advice would be to keep your mobile in a front or inside zipped-up pocket, or leave it at home.”
A spokesman for the Motorpoint Arena echoed the same advice but couldn’t comment any further.