Two men jailed after posing as policemen to steal from tourists

Laurentiu Ionita and Florin Ionita posed as police officers to steal from tourists (Met Police)
Met Police
Saphora Smith23 November 2016
WEST END FINAL

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Two men have been jailed for three years after they posed as police officers to steal from tourists visiting London.

Florin Ionita, 31, and Laurentiu Ionita, 47, who have no fixed address, posed as plain clothed police officers to “prey on innocent tourists."

The pair pleaded guilty to ten offences of conspiracy to steal. Laurentiu also admitted two counts of assault on police.

Both men were sentenced to three years imprisonment.

The men approached their targets by accusing tourists of crimes before making-off with their possessions.

Following a high number of thefts reported by tourists in central London in September, Westminster Crime Squad launched Operation Mastertorn to track down those responsible.

On October 23 they caught the two men targeting Chinese tourists in Westminster.

As Florin spoke to the tourists Laurientu approached the group and accused them of drug dealing.

Laurientu produced a fake warrant card and demanded he search the pair.

Westminster Crime Squad officers then intervened detaining Florin and chased Laurientu on foot.

Laurentiu assaulted offices before being detained.

The investigation linked the pair to similar incidents dating back to October 2015 in Westminster and Camden.

Detective Sergeant Vince Abrahart from Westminster Crime Squad said: "I am pleased that following an intelligence led operation these men have been handed down custodial sentences.

“They deliberately preyed on innocent tourists unfamiliar with police procedures in the UK, turning what should have been an enjoyable visit for them into a nightmare.

“While Westminster Crime Squad will continue to target such offences in Westminster and beyond - we urge all members of the public to check the ID of all persons purporting to be in authority, be this police or people from utility companies.”

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