Gym Locker Thieves Busted After £250k Fraud Spree
Met detectives have smashed a devious duo who targeted gym-goers by stealing bank and SIM cards straight from their lockers. Ashley Singh and Sophie Bruyea struck while victims worked out, with Singh rifling through lockers to nab their cards.
Luxury Loot: Tech, Designer Gear & Even a Pedigree Puppy
The pair maxed out credit cards on high-end tech and designer gear. They then sold the stolen goods, splashing the cash on handbags, shoes, holidays—and even a pedigree puppy. Meanwhile, victims battled drained bank accounts, unusable phones, and crushing financial stress.
Under the Met’s Microscope: CCTV, Phones, and a Gatwick Airport Sting
Local officers spotted a pattern and passed intel to Met’s economic crime experts. The Lewisham-based team painstakingly linked the pair’s phones, vehicles, and faces on CCTV. Singh and Bruyea were arrested at Gatwick Airport in January 2023 as they touched down from Paris, loaded with £2,000 worth of designer goods.
Justice Served: Jail Time and Community Orders
Their “wicked conspiracy” targeted 18 victims across London and beyond, causing fear and financial ruin. At Croydon Crown Court, Singh, 39, was jailed for 3 years. Bruyea, 20, received a 20-month sentence suspended for two years, plus 120 hours of unpaid work and rehab programmes.
DC Luis Martins Da Silva from the Met’s economic crime team said: “We know Londoners are worried about theft. It’s a horrible crime, and it causes a lot of stress, pain, and financial loss. That’s why we take this crime seriously and a whole team of us were committed to catching Singh and Bruyea.”
“You couldn’t fail to be moved by the devastating impact their callous behaviour had on people, and we hope that catching them offers victims a little bit of solace. I would urge anyone who has had something stolen to get in touch because we do want to drive down this crime and go after those who target the public.”
“We will now look to forfeit the proceeds of their crimes to try and help compensate those who went through this.”
