Pickpocket sisters in court

2:39pm Friday 1st February 2008

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TWO sisters have admitted stealing from as many as six elderly women a day.

Anne Marie McDonagh, aged 39, and her younger sister Mary McDonagh, aged 25, were identified as potential suspects after a rise in the number of pick-pocketing incidents around Orpington.

Beginning in September last year, police noticed an increase in the number of incidents in which elderly women were engaged in conversation about the cost of items in supermarkets or shops, and had items stolen while they were distracted.

Others were having people jostle past them and take their purses.

The pair, both of Bekesborough Tower, Wichling Close, Orpington, pleaded guilty to three counts of theft and one count of attempted theft, and asked that another 17 be taken into consideration.

On January 24 the pair stole £21 and a mobile phone from an 83-year-old in Card Factory, on January 14 they took £50 from a 50-year-old in Burger King, and on January 22, they attempted to steal a purse from a woman in the British Heart Foundation shop.

As well as these incidents, all in High Street, Orpington, they stole £20 from a 65-year-old in Iceland in Petts Wood on December 27 last year.

They were caught after a surveillance campaign lasting several days.

They appeared at Bromley Magistrates' Court on January 28. Mary McDonagh was sentenced to six months in jail, while her sister was remanded in custody and will sentenced at Croydon Crown Court on a date to be decided.

Detective Constable James Robinson, of Bromley CID, said: "This operation has been a massive success for Bromley, as these individuals were suspected of committing up to six offences per day.

"I hope these convictions demonstrate our commitment to relentlessly pursue and bring to justice all offenders, especially those who would prey on the more vulnerable members of our community.

"I would also especially ask that people take time to look out for the elderly or more vulnerable members of our community.

"The public are our eyes and ears and we need their help to prevent crime and make it more difficult for thieves like these to operate".