A woman has been sentenced to eight months in prison after being convicted of a series of distraction thefts targeting mobile phones across multiple counties. Nirex Stanescu, 24, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to nine counts of theft, with the offences spanning Surrey, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire.
Between 4 April 2024 and 12 July 2024, Stanescu used distraction tactics to steal mobile phones from unsuspecting victims. She approached people dining in restaurants in various locations, including Staines-upon-Thames, Walton-on-Thames, Woking, Milton Keynes, Reading, Slough, Wokingham, and Oxford. Stanescu would cover victims’ phones with a map or other paperwork and then distract them, stealing the phones while they were unaware.
Stanescu was arrested on 25 September and charged the following day. At her hearing on 27 September, she pleaded guilty and was sentenced to eight months in prison for her actions.
Detective Constable Michael Hanson of the Reading Priority Crime Team commented on the case, saying, “Stanescu used distraction techniques to target her victims and steal their phones. I’m glad she pleaded guilty and has now been sentenced. This case serves as a reminder of the risks of leaving property unattended in public.”
Inspector Chris Thoday from the North Surrey Neighbourhood Policing Investigation Team added, “We worked closely with Thames Valley Police to ensure Stanescu was held accountable for her crimes. By reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses, we were able to identify her and track her movements across multiple counties. We urge everyone to stay vigilant and secure their belongings to prevent opportunistic thefts like these.”