To be taken like that once, I can see that but multiple times is a bit stupid.
For this story covering a remarkable string of thefts over four years? This Sun article is the only source being repeated by others in a few quick searches.
http://www.leparisien.fr/faits-divers/le-gang-a-l-aspirateur... http://www.lefigaro.fr/flash-actu/2010/09/22/97001-20100922F...