Four Romanians were convicted in the UK for stealing GBP 350 worth of coins thrown by tourists at the Tower of London.

The four thieves, aged between 19 and 24, climbed over a barrier and jumped into the moat in front of Traitors’ Gate. They tried to take the coins, but a member of the public saw them and raised the alarm, reports Daily Mail.

Tower of London staff and army personnel caught the thieves. They were arrested and charged with theft.

All four Romanians pleaded guilty to theft at Thames Magistrates’ Court, and they were each given a six-month conditional discharge. They also have to pay victim surcharges of GBP 16.

The Police returned the stolen money to the Royal British Legion.

Millions of tourists visit the gate where prisoners such as Anne Boleyn, Sir Thomas More, Catherine Howard and Lady Jane Grey entered the Tower, and most of them throw coins into the moat.

According to Daily Mail, the number of crimes committed by Romanians has seen an increase in recent years. Statistics published last year show that of the 128,000 Romanians living here, 361 have broken the law.

Irina Popescu, irina.popescu@romania-insider.com