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BY CHARLES MCKEAGUE
ANCHOR CARISSA LOETHEN
A family of criminals, all working together, to pull off big-time robberies. No not the
mafia, but self-proclaimed gypsies. Here’s NBC’s “Today” with a Rossen Report.
“This little girl looks lost asking the clerk for help, but she’s really helping
to rob this jewelry store blind. Her relative sneaking behind the counter to clean out the
safe.”
Police say the family bandits have even used babies, pinching them so they’ll cry and
distract would-be victims. So far the family has robbed at least 11 stores across the country,
according to police.
“They’re from Romania, slipping into the U.S. with one goal - to steal.”
The family apparently made off with more than $500,000 after swiping diamonds from a Houston
jewelry store, and the clever use of a hidden pouch inside a woman's dress allows for a
big take.
While the family could probably make a movie about their successful heists, other criminals
who’ve tried using babies in recent months haven’t fared as well. Here’s WFTX.
“Deputies say the trio was spotted stealing shoes from a Kohl’s store in Port Charlotte.
They reportedly put the shoes in a baby stroller where one of the men’s 18-month old baby
was already strapped in. The men tried to get away, but were later caught.”
And a couple near Atlanta was busted robbing an agri-supply store, they used a baby to
divert attention, but after surveillance video was sent out the couple was caught within
a few hours.
Police say it has been nearly impossible to catch the Romanian family, as they continue
to stay off the grid, and on the move eluding police for years. Rossen reports if caught,
they would likely just be deported back to Romania.ba