Second Elderly Man Targeted in Aylesbury Sex Assault and Theft Spree
Thames Valley Police are investigating two linked incidents in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, where elderly men were sexually assaulted and had valuable items stolen. The crimes have sparked concerns about a potential resurgence of the notorious 'Rolex Rippers' gang that operated in 2021.
Details of the Recent Incidents
The first reported theft occurred on March 19, when a man in his 70s was walking on a footpath between Jackson Road and Aston Close in Aylesbury at approximately 12:40 PM. A woman, described as being of Malaysian or Thai appearance, approached him, initiated a conversation, and began touching him inappropriately while offering sexual services. She then snatched a gold chain from around his neck and fled the scene.
Just days later, on April 6, a similar incident took place on Richmond Road in Aylesbury. A pensioner was approached by a woman wearing a baseball cap who sexually assaulted him and stole his Rolex watch. In both cases, the suspects are described as being around 5 feet to 5 feet 2 inches tall and in their early to mid-thirties.
Detective Constable Mandy Cutler, the investigating officer, stated: 'This incident has occurred in the middle of the afternoon in Aylesbury and has very similar circumstances to a similar incident which occurred last week on 8 April. At this stage, I am treating these incidents as linked to each other.'
Fears of 'Rolex Rippers' Return
The thefts have raised alarms about a possible return of the 'Rolex Rippers', a female gang that targeted elderly men in 2021. This group was linked to at least 15 crimes across several counties, including Dorset, Hampshire, West Sussex, Surrey, and Gloucestershire. Their modus operandi involved distraction techniques such as posing as charity workers or conducting fake surveys, followed by attempts to hug the victims while stealing expensive watches from their wrists.
Only one member of the gang was ever apprehended: Romanian national Stefania Tinica, who was arrested at Luton Airport in 2022 as she attempted to flee the country. She was sentenced to 40 months in prison for her involvement in a successful theft in Poole and a failed robbery in Cheshire.
Detective Constable Cutler added: 'I am also keeping an open mind as to whether these two incidents are linked to a wider issue of similar such incidents occurring elsewhere in the country. We are liaising with partner forces to ascertain whether there are any discernible links to these offences.'
Police Appeal for Information
Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that could assist in the investigation. Detective Constable Cutler emphasized: 'I am appealing to anybody who was in the area of Jackson Road on 19 March this year and believe that they witnessed this incident to please get in touch with Thames Valley Police. You can do so by reporting online or by calling us on 101, quoting reference 43260136355.'
Police are also seeking digital evidence, including dash-cam footage, CCTV recordings, Ring doorbell videos, or mobile phone footage, which can be uploaded to a dedicated portal for the investigation.
Both victims are receiving support from the police, who are committed to bringing the perpetrators to justice. Detective Constable Cutler reassured the community: 'I appreciate that incidents such as these will cause concern in the local community, but we are thoroughly investigating and making enquiries, including house to house enquiries as we seek to identify and prosecute those responsible.'
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Thames Valley Police, with assurances that they will be listened to and supported throughout the process.
