Burglary gang caught out after posting pictures of themselves posing with loot online

Bankers and lawyers were targeted in daytime raids
Mark Blunden @_MarkBlunden26 September 2012
WEST END FINAL

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A burglary gang that targeted bankers and lawyers was smashed today after posting photos of themselves posing with cash and Rolex watches on social media sites.

Officers raided eight homes in Kensington and Chelsea, seizing thousands of pounds in notes, designer watches and clothing and mobile phones.

Detectives believe some of the men — all aged between 18 and 22 and alleged members of the Ladbroke Blood and Ladbroke Grove gangs — committed the burglaries during the day while wearing electronic bail tags.

They targeted multi-million-pound properties in their home borough and favoured cars such as Range Rover Sports and Mercedes.

Speaking before the Operation Decker raids, Detective Chief Inspector Rhys Willis said the gang had become increasingly “blasé” and would repeatedly target the same properties.

He added that the investigation was based on “intensive work around social media”.

Officers from the Territorial Support Group used hydraulic pumps and battering rams to break down doors. Fingertip searches were then carried out and drugs dogs sent in.

The suspects continued to commit offences while on bail for other burglaries, said police, who are investigating links further up the criminal chain, including whether the goods, particularly the cars, were stolen to order.

Alleged gang members posted photographs online with huge fans of £50 and £20 notes, Rolexes and bottles of champagne and a white Mercedes. They also posted close-up shots of bundles of cash.

The gang are thought to be responsible for 12 break-ins since April and police said the victims, who included wealthy lawyers and bankers, had been left traumatised.

Another victim was a 40-year-old mother who was with her children loading shopping into her car when one member of the “team” darted in to her property, snatched a key fob to her car and later returned to steal it.

They also stole a monogrammed gold cigarette case given to her grandfather by the king of Siam.

On other occasions, they used a crowbar to gain entry but did not bother to cover their faces.

Detective Inspector Craig Leonard said: “They are not afraid to go out there and use force to get into an address.” Four men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit burglary today and another man was arrested last night. All are being questioned at a west London police station.

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