Spike in Melbourne CBD mobile phone thefts

Mobile phones are being snatched from young people and plucked out of the hands of unsuspecting diners as thefts soar in Melbourne's CBD.

Police are warning of a spike in pick-pocketing and brazen mobile phone pilfering, saying tourists, outdoor diners and young people are being targeted.

"We're seeing a lot of people having phones plucked from their hands while they're simply texting or browsing social media," says Detective Acting Sergeant Adrian Smith.

Police are urging people to be aware of their surroundings when using their mobile phone but say no identifiable gangs have been detected.