Cemetary Carjacking Couple Caught

A ‘Bonnie and Clyde’ carjacking couple – who struck while victims were paying their respects to loved ones at two East London cemeteries – have been locked-up for their £250k crime spree.

Frankie Pellicci, 31, of Victoria Avenue, Collier Row and her boyfriend of eleven years Frank Brooks, 29, of Monk Drive, Canning Town targeted the elderly during an eight-month period last year.

Twenty cars – including a Range Rover Sport and Mercedes E-Class – worth £250,000 included five attacks on elderly motorists at Barkingside and Chigwell cemeteries.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court Brooks received ten years imprisonment and Pellicci a two year suspended sentence for conspiring to steal vehicles.

On five occasions Books approached and distracted drivers visiting and tending to the graves of loved ones.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Ian Evans of the Metropolitan Police’s Crime Squad, said: “Brooks and Pellicci shamelessly conspired to force drivers from their cars and steal what was very often their only form of transport.

“Brooks deliberately targeted vulnerable people, usually pensioners, to ensure he could make a quick escape.



“Pellicci knew of his plans and assisted him, both at the scene and during the sale of the vehicles.



“Their victims were left extremely shaken and Brooks became more violent in his approach and one occasion, an elderly man was left with a broken pelvis after a robbery in Chigwell.



“We hope that this result today brings some closure for the victims and sends out a clear message to anyone thinking of carrying out such a crime. We will build a picture of your offending and you will be caught.”