Letter: Fagin's Paris branch

Sir: I found it interesting to read Margaret Maxwell's article on Fagin's children in London (17 August). I had a similar experience in Paris, in the Place de l'Opera, when two tiny children aproached me as if selling something in a cardboard box. My bag, which had a magnetic fastening, was hung next to me for safety's sake; nevertheless, it was opened and my brand new expensive wallet with all my money was taken.

I chased them but they had other accomplices. They were part of an enormous gang of Romanian gypsies, according to the French police, who seemed weary of listening to similar tales. I still regret my beautiful wallet and have not been back to Paris since.

Yours sincerely,

JOAN BIRKIN

Herne Bay, Kent