Colombian five held on theft charges

Five Colombian men charged in connection with an alleged plot to steal jewellery from hotels, shops and individuals will appear today at Horseferry Road Court, London.

They were arrested after a police surveillance operation in London and Birmingham, and the theft of a briefcase containing a Cartier watch and other items valued at £10,000 from a guest at Claridge's hotel in Brook Street, Mayfair, London, on 30 June.

The accused are jobless asylum-seeker Francisco Cuartas and computer salesman German Dario Ruiz, bothof Brixton; unemployed Vincente Torres of Bristol; and unemployed Oscar Rodriguez and carpenter Lois Alberto Aleman, both of no fixed address.

All are charged with conspiracy to steal property from persons unknown on or before 30 June, while Torres, Rodriguez and Aleman are also charged with stealing a briefcase from Claridge's guestMr Koplowitz.