Forty Elephants
The "Forty Elephants" were a 19th-20th century all-female crime syndicate who specialised in shoplifting | |
| Founding location | Elephant and Castle District, West End of London, UK |
|---|---|
| Years active | late 19th century–1950s |
| Ethnicity | English |
| Membership (est.) | 70 |
| Criminal activities | Shoplifting |
| Allies | Elephant and Castle Mob |
The Forty Elephants or Forty Thieves were a 19th to 20th century all-female London crime syndicate who specialised in shoplifting, also called hoisting at the time. This gang was notable for its longevity and skill in avoiding police detection.