Police have accused a 40-year-old woman, Ariana Rose, of orchestrating a scheme across four English counties where she posed as a house sitter to steal valuables from homeowners. Between July and October, Rose allegedly targeted residences in Warwickshire, Hampshire, Somerset, and Suffolk, using the online platform TrustedHousesitters to find her victims. Investigators described her as a "magpie-like" thief who targeted homes that appeared affluent.
Authorities report that the stolen items included a £15,000 tennis bracelet, Christmas ornaments collected over 27 years, champagne, war medals, and a CBE medal belonging to one victim's grandfather. In one instance, after returning from a holiday, homeowners discovered Rose had prepared a family dinner and cake. She is also reported to have stayed at luxury hotels, such as Claridge's in Mayfair, and used rented BMW vehicles during her alleged cross-country thefts.
Investigators stopped Rose on the motorway in November and reportedly found several stolen items in her possession, including designer sunglasses, cash, jewelry, a Rolex watch, and a parcel containing counterfeit U.S. dollars. The total value of items stolen is estimated to be £35,000. Rose, from London, faces multiple charges in connection with the alleged thefts.