Crime Pays: The All-Female Gang That Looted 1920s London
Sep 23, 2024
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Discover the thrilling history of the 40 Elephants, London's notorious all-female crime ring. Learn about their clever shoplifting strategies and how they turned societal expectations to their advantage. Under the leadership of Alice Diamond, these daring women pulled off high-stakes heists, showcasing their bravery and cunning. Their bold escapades not only challenged the norms of their time but also left a powerful mark on the narrative of female empowerment and rebellion in the face of adversity.
The 40 Elephants gang utilized clever disguises and teamwork, establishing themselves as masters of shoplifting in 1920s London.
Alice Diamond's leadership and strategic adaptation to societal changes were crucial in maintaining the gang's criminal operations despite heightened law enforcement.
Deep dives
The Notorious 40 Elephants Gang
The all-female crime group known as the 40 Elephants operated in Southwark, London, and became infamous for their masterful shoplifting techniques from the late 1700s to the 1950s. These women, often referred to as hoisters, cleverly disguised themselves as elite shoppers, enabling them to steal significant amounts of merchandise. They were known for using their garments to hide stolen goods, with some hidden pockets and bloomers allowing them to smuggle out items unnoticed. Their reputation was built on their teamwork and cunning strategies, which made them some of the most skilled thieves of their time.
Economic Hardship and the Motivation to Steal
Many members of the 40 Elephants faced economic hardships that drove them to crime, with most earning only 18 to 20 shillings per week from legitimate work. The allure of owning fashionable items, often out of their financial reach, compounded the temptation to resort to theft. This background fostered a culture among these women where theft was not only accepted but, in some cases, a source of pride. They saw themselves as enterprising rather than immoral, often justifying their actions against the backdrop of an unforgiving economic landscape.
Leadership of Alice Diamond
Alice Diamond, known as the 'Queen of the 40 Elephants', was a formidable leader whose criminal strategies advanced the gang's success. Under her guidance, the gang developed a hierarchical structure that allowed for coordinated heists across multiple locations. Diamond was not just a thief but a smart businesswoman, securing a percentage of each robbery and diversifying her operations into high-value home thefts. Her ability to adapt to changing societal norms, such as the decreased hiding spots in women's fashion, exemplified her cunning and ensured the gang's operations persisted for years despite increasing police scrutiny.
Hey listener! I'm currently off on maternity leave, but I've decided to pull some special bonus episodes out of the Patreon vault during September for all my listeners to enjoy. This one's going to take us back to our season on the 1920s to meet the group of sticky-fingered bandits who became England's most notorious thieves.
This episode is coming to you with the support of my fabulous patrons. Have you ever thought about becoming one? Patrons get all episodes early and ad-free, voting rights on content, behind the scenes stuff, AND up to two exclusive bonus episodes a month, like this one. I'll be posting new bonus episodes all through my maternity leave, so now's the time to hope on board! You can even try out being a patron with a 7-day free trial. Go to my website to find out more, or simply go to my Patreon page.
My second novel, FYREBIRDS, just came out, and it would mean a huge amount if you’d pick up a copy. If you'd like a recap of NIGHTBIRDS before the sequel arrives, go and listen to my four-part recap series over on Pub Dates.
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