Shomrim help to jail Stamford Hill thieves

Two women who targeted a Jewish old people’s home in Stamford Hill have been jailed for stealing pensioners’ cash and credit cards.

The women, Fortunata Paczkowska and Deborah Arthur, were identified by Shomrim neighbourhood watch, after one of its members recognised a suspect from an appeal by Hackney Police in the Hackney Gazette asking for information on “women who allegedly burgled” Ajex House in Hackney.

Paczkowska was seen later that day by two Shomrim members patrolling in Linthorpe Road near Stamford Hill and was arrested by Hackney Police.

Meanwhile, another Shomrim member identified the second suspect and managed to locate her near where the first woman had been sighted. She was later arrested by Hackney police.The Shomrim member recognised Paczkowska from previous incidents.

The pair pleaded guilty to distraction burglary, while Paczkowska was also charged with another distraction burglary at Ajex House in March when she targeted a 91-year-old man.

The women were sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court. Arthur, 43, of no fixed abode, was jailed for three-and-a-half years and Paczkowska, 30, of Bury Street, Edmonton Green, was sentenced to five years.

Hackney Police praised the role played by Shomrim. Detective Constable Anwen Clissold said: “These women were trying to target a number of residents at the location. I hope this case highlights the willingness of the public to help us identify offenders in Hackney.

“I would like to thank the Gazette and Shomrim who identified the suspect for their help in bringing these two to justice.”