Romanian Man Jailed for Preying on Elderly Londoners Daniel Calinescu locked up for stealing £11,200 from vulnerable pensioners.
Serial thief targets elderly on London streets
Daniel Calinescu, 42, a Romanian national with no fixed UK address, was sentenced to five years in prison after admitting four counts of theft at Southwark Crown Court on 15 October. Calinescu worked with a gang of four to six members, all believed to be involved in targeting elderly victims. Police are still hunting the rest of the gang.
Watching, waiting, and striking at the bus stop
Between July and August, Calinescu stalked elderly women who had just withdrawn large sums of money from banks. Victims included:
- a 78-year-old in Battersea, robbed of £2,500 on 9 July
- a 62-year-old in Harrow who lost £2,500 on 19 July
- a 73-year-old in Hackney, £1,700 stolen on 29 July
- a 72-year-old in Ealing, £4,500 taken on 20 August
He followed them to bus stops and snatched their cash as they boarded. On two occasions, he used a razor blade or knife to slash their bags to get the loot.
Court slams ‘nasty’ crimes against vulnerable victims
Judge Joanna Korner said, “These were the most unpleasant and nasty offences, deliberately targeting vulnerable victims. Immediate imprisonment is the only suitable punishment – and it must be a significant sentence to send a message.”
Met Police vow to catch the gang
The Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command (RTPC) led the investigation, tracking Calinescu through intelligence efforts. He was arrested on 15 September. DS Shaun Holyhead of RTPC said, “I’m pleased with the conviction and sentencing. We’re working hard to identify Calinescu’s associates and stop others preying on Londoners.” Victims can contact the police with any information about the gang.
