A couple has been sentenced for embezzling £250,000 from unsuspecting gym-goers, executing a year-long theft spree by pilfering bank cards from gym lockers while victims were working out
Ashley Singh, 39, and Sophie Bruyea, 20, committed the crimes to bankroll an extravagant lifestyle of luxury holidays and designer items.
After rummaging through lockers for credit cards, the duo splurged on pricey goods before selling them to sustain their opulent way of life.
Found guilty of conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation between January 2022 and January 2023, Singh received a three-year jail term, while Bruyea was handed a 20-month sentence suspended for two years.
Their crime came to light after an investigation by the Metropolitan Police’s economic crime team. Officers tracked the couple’s movements via phones, cars and CCTV, eventually apprehending them at Gatwick airport upon their return from Paris, where they had amassed €2,000 worth of designer items.
Detective Constable Luis Da Silva said, “We know Londoners are worried about theft. It’s a horrible crime, and it causes a lot of stress, pain, and financial loss. That’s why we take this crime seriously and a whole team of us were committed to catching Singh and Bruyea.
“You couldn’t fail to be moved by the devastating impact their callous behaviour had on people, and we hope that by catching them this offers victims a little bit of solace. I would urge anyone who has had something stolen to get in touch, because we do want to drive down this crime and go after those who target the public.
The authorities now intend to seize the ill-gotten gains to aid in compensating those affected by the couple’s callous behaviour.
[Image created via MidJourney]