In the shadow of the well-known Birmingham-based criminal group, The Peaky Blinders, lies a lesser-known but equally intriguing gang called The Forty Elephants. This all-female organized crime syndicate, active from the 1870s to the 1950s in the Elephant and Castle area of South London, specialized in shoplifting, setting them apart from other criminal organizations in the country.
Alice Diamond, a standout figure born in 1896, rose through the ranks of The Forty Elephants, eventually becoming its leader. Renowned for her towering height of over 5 feet 8 inches and adept shoplifting skills, Diamond commanded a gang that operated across the West End and beyond, amassing notoriety and wealth through their illicit activities.
The gang’s modus operandi involved swift and coordinated heists at upscale stores, where they would swoop in like a swarm, swiftly pilfering luxury goods before disappearing in chauffeur-driven vehicles. Despite occasional run-ins with the law, Diamond and her cohorts considered the risks of their criminal lifestyle worth the financial rewards, with records now revealing over 70 confirmed members active during the interwar years.
Dressed to the nines and known for their extravagant lifestyles, The Forty Elephants members navigated the world of crime with style and audacity. Utilizing clever tactics and concealed compartments in their attire, they successfully evaded authorities and maintained a reputation for both cunning thefts and occasional violent encounters when cornered.
Among the colorful characters within the gang was Bertha Tappenden, a petite but fierce operator armed with blades for settling disputes, and Lilian Kendall, dubbed The Bobbed-Haired Bandit, who collaborated with notorious raiders like Ruby Sparks. Beyond theft, the gang dabbled in various criminal activities, including home invasions under false pretenses and leverage through illicit affairs.
According to crime historian Brian McDonald, The Forty Elephants represented a unique chapter in British criminal history. As the country’s sole all-female crime syndicate, they blended toughness with glamour, targeting high-end fashion and jewelry establishments, mingling with notorious gangsters, and instilling fear in their rivals, regardless of gender.