Warning over ‘French' theft gang

London hoteliers have been warned to watch out for a gang of burglars who check in and then go on a thieving spree around other guests' rooms.

The gang, usually two or three men, use French names and addresses, once borrowing the surname of French film star Gérard Depardieu. The gang are smartly dressed and aged between 35 and 50. London's police hotel intelligence unit believes they may be North African rather than French.

So far, hotels in Belgravia, Notting Hill, Marylebone and Kensington have been victims of the burglaries, and cameras, jewellery and a fur coat have been taken.

The men pay cash for a night's stay and sometimes leave without staying the night after a successful thieving expedition.

They have been striking at hotels in the capital every few months over the past year. Police are advising hoteliers to change locks regularly, thoroughly check passport numbers and be aware of unexpected guests.