Police hunt for hotel housekeeper accused of stealing jewellery worth £350,000
The woman who was working in a hotel in Knightsbridge has fled to Romania, according to police.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A hotel housekeeper accused of stealing a suitcase of jewellery worth £350,000 has gone on the run to Romania, police said.
Detectives are searching for Marinela Manolesu, 28, who was working in an unnamed hotel in the wealthy area of Knightsbridge in London when the jewellery was taken on October 8.
More than 20 items including necklaces, bracelets and watches were stolen.
The Metropolitan Police said she fled the UK around a week later and travelled to Romania, and that officers have contacted the authorities there.
It is believed that the theft was opportunistic, with the culprit taking the jewellery and leaving the suitcase behind, and it is not being linked to any other crimes.
The housekeeper had only been working at the hotel for a short time before the theft.
Anyone with information about where she is can call the Met from the UK on 101 quoting 3787/19Oct, or from outside the UK on +44 20 7230 1212.
To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or online.