The death of the Queen Mother was used as a ruse for a gang of thieves to steal from an Essex shop.
The gang of Eastern Europeans, who take a baby with them, started up a conversation about the much-loved Royal's death in a bid to distract the shopkeeper.
They stole almost £900 from the Papershop in Forest Road, Chelmsford. It is the tenth time the gang has struck in Essex in a month.
One of the gang members was described as a small white European woman with long, straight black hair. She was wearing a white shirt and a black cardigan.
Police are issuing a warning to shopkeepers to be on their guard.
Anyone with any information should contact Chelmsford police station on 01245 491212 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
Published Tuesday, April 9, 2002
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