Express
January 5, 2013
Roma gangs are using children to sneak through metal security bars on windows and plunder properties on one of Britain’s most exclusive streets.
Criminals have been accused of adopting Fagin-style tactics to target the wealthy residents of Bryanston Square in Marylebone, central London.
In one case, a child’s footprint was found on an inside window ledge. It seems the youngster was passed through narrow bars to prise open an unlocked sash window. Hundreds of pounds and a television were stolen.
Roma immigrants have also been seen rifling through bin bags for bank statements so they can sell credit and debit card information to identity thieves.
Thousands of Romanians and Bulgarians are expected to head here in the coming months, after border restrictions were lifted on January 1, sparking fears criminals may be among those seeking work.
Sharon Walvin, who manages 40 luxury apartments in Bryanston Square, said her offices were hit by a Fagin gang last year. She said: “We were puzzled as to how the thieves had come in and robbed the place as there was no damage at all.
“After the police had come round we noticed a small child’s footprint on the inside ledge under a front office window.
“What we think happened was the child had been lifted up and guided through the security bars and managed to lift up the window because it was unlocked.
“They dropped down into the office and opened the front door to let the adults in.
“The thieves stole a couple of hundred pounds in petty cash and lunch money and took a flat television off the wall.
“According to police it wasn’t the first robbery in the area but in my 23 years working here I have never seen anything like it. Now we have CCTV and locks on all the windows.”