Romanian Pickpocket Targeted Lady OAP's

A Romanian pickpocket, who deliberately targeted elderly ladies who withdrew large cash sums from their banks, has been locked-up.

A total of £11,200 was taken by Daniel Calinescu, 43, who travelled all over London to stakeout banks and steal from vulnerable locals.

He pleaded guilty to four counts of theft and was sentenced to five years imprisonment.

Southwark Crown Court heard he was a member of a pickpocketing gang and enquiries are ongoing to identify and bring to justice the other members of the group.

Metropolitan Police officers linked Calinescu to incidents in which a 78-year-old woman had £2,500 stolen in St John’s Hill, Battersea on July 9.

A 62-year-old woman, who had £2,500 stolen in Shrewsbury Avenue, Harrow on July 19. 

A 73-year-old woman, who had £1,700 stolen in Barrett’s Grove, Hackney on July 29 and a 72-year-old woman, who had £4,500 stolen in High Street, Ealing on August 20.

In each case, Calinescu watched elderly and vulnerable people withdraw large sums of money over the counter at banks. 

He then followed them as they walked away and stole the cash from each victim as she was boarding a bus. 

On two of these occasions a razor blade or knife was used to slash the victim’s bag to steal the cash.

The Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command (RTPC) proactive team led the investigation and identified Calinescu through intelligence work. 

Sentencing him Judge Joanna Korner told Calinescu: “You have pleaded guilty to four counts of theft, the most unpleasant and nasty offences which can be committed within this category of crime. 

“No doubt you were deliberately targeting victims because of their obvious vulnerability. 

“No other punishment is suitable other than immediate imprisonment. It must be of some length to mark public disapproval of people such as yourself and your activities.

Detective Sergeant Shaun Holyhead of RTPC said: “I am pleased with the conviction and sentence handed down today. 

“We are working hard to identify Calinescu’s associates and other criminals who target Londoners in this way.”