Two Romanian nationals have been convicted for burglarizing the $13.4 million home of Mark Baker, the creator of the popular children's television show "Peppa Pig." The theft, which occurred on Valentine's Day, saw the perpetrators steal items valued at $87,500, including jewelry, a Rolex watch, and designer handbags. The same individuals, Radu Dogaru, 41, and Adrian Alempi, 34, were previously involved in one of the world's largest art heists in 2012.
Prosecutors revealed that Dogaru and Alempi gained entry to Baker's south-west London home through a first-floor window during a 90-minute period when Baker and his wife were out. The stolen items included a Rolex watch, Chanel and other designer handbags, and suitcases. The pair were reportedly seen at a subway station before and after the burglary, carrying stolen items in a Louis Vuitton suitcase.
This latest crime occurred more than a decade after the gang's 2012 heist at the Kunsthal gallery in Rotterdam, Netherlands. That burglary involved the theft of artworks by Picasso, Matisse, and Monet, with an insured value estimated at $24.4 million. Dogaru received a six-year sentence for the art heist, while Alempi received five years. Dogaru was released from prison in 2017 or 2018, and Alempi also pleaded guilty to illegally entering the UK just one day prior to the burglary of Baker's home.
Following the raid on Baker's residence, the pair were placed under surveillance. Despite this, they targeted another large London home three days later. They were apprehended while attempting to flee the area on a bus, their bags reportedly filled with valuables. A search of Dogaru's property led to the recovery of some of the stolen possessions from Baker's home, though specific details were not disclosed.
The burglary has had a significant impact on Baker's wife, who has experienced trauma and fear of further intrusions. Prosecutor Joanne Cecil stated that she expressed not wanting to leave the house and mistook her husband for a burglar at one point due to his dark clothing. Dogaru has been sentenced to four years in prison for the recent burglary, while Alempi received a five-year sentence.