Street flower sellers have been accused of being part of an organised pick pocketing racket in Glasgow.
A nightclub director has warned people are being distracted and robbed by thieves when they come out of venues in the city.
Brain Fulton, director of Holdfast Entertainment Group, which owns the Cathouse Rock Club and the Garage, said: “We get real issues between 3am and 4am in the morning.
“The flower sellers come up and distract people. Their pockets are picked.”
Mr Fulton added: “People are coming out from an environment where it is dark with flashing lights and music into the street. At that point they are getting preyed on by these people. It seems to be gangs - bunches of people.”
Mr Fulton brought the problem up at last week’s Glasgow City Council licensing board meeting.
He said door staff have been highlighting the issue and have been making efforts to move on suspected offenders.
Board chair councillor Matt Kerr asked a police inspector to investigate the “pick pocketing issues.” Inspector Gareth Griffiths confirmed action would be taken to look into the matter.
Councillor Kerr, Labour, said it was “useful” to know about the issue and said the pick pocketing was news to him.
A police spokesman later said: "Officers are aware of a number of distraction thefts involving the sale of flowers across the city. This has been highlighted in our Festive Patrol Plan in order that officers can assist with prevention, disruption and reassurance.
"Anyone with any information or concerns surrounding this incidents of this nature should contact Police Scotland on 101."
Earlier in the meeting, Mr Fulton told the licensing board the later 4am closure time for clubs is “a better way of doing things” and helps avoid massive queues at cloakrooms.
He pointed out the extra hour of opening meant instead of everyone leaving venues at once there is a “general drift” from premises.
