A woman has been jailed for stealing nine phones across the UK including Oxfordshire.

Nirex Stanescu, of no fixed abode, entered restaurants in various locations, approaching people eating meals and who had their phones on tables between May 4, 2024 and July 12, 2024.

The 24-year-old would place a map or other paperwork over the phone, before distracting her victims and stealing the phone.

Four of the offences occurred in Surrey, in Staines-upon-Thames, Walton-on-Thames and Woking while five further offences occurred in Milton Keynes, Reading, Slough, Wokingham and Oxford.

READ MORE: Man punched in the face and dragged to the ground unconscious

Nirex Stanescu.Nirex Stanescu. (Image: Thames Valley Police)

Stanescu was arrested on 25 September and charged the following day.

At Reading Magistrates’ Court on Friday, September 27, Stanescu admitted the offences and was sentenced to a total of eight months’ imprisonment.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Michael Hanson, of the Reading Priority Crime Team, said: “Stanescu would use distracting techniques to target her victims, stealing their phones when she employed these tactics.

“I am pleased that she pleaded guilty at the first hearing and has now been sentenced to prison as a result.

“I hope that her time in prison is used constructively to reflect on her offending behaviour.

READ MORE: Heavy rainfall causes flash floods in Oxfordshire

The incidents happened in restaurants.The incidents happened in restaurants. (Image: Pexels)

“Although Stanescu used distractive techniques, this case is a timely reminder of the risks involved in leaving property in full view.

“I would advise people to keep their property close at hand, or out of sight, in order to prevent opportunists such as Stanescu targeting them.”

Inspector Chris Thoday, from the North Surrey Neighbourhood Policing Investigation Team, said: “We worked closely with Thames Valley Police to ensure Stanescu was held accountable for her repeated and targeted offending that stretched across multiple counties.

“By reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses, we identified Stanescu and her tactics for stealing mobile phones.

READ MORE: Tributes to man after police find body in woods

“This type of distraction theft is something we’re seeing right across Surrey, so we urge people to stay aware of their surroundings and secure their belongings while out."

Help support trusted local news

Sign up for a digital subscription now: https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe/

As a digital subscriber you will get:            

  • Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website        
  • Advert-light access             
  • Reader rewards             
  • Full access to our app