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A serial thief who was jailed for eight months after robbing people in four different counties was filmed stealing a phone while distracting her target.
Nirex Stanescu was arrested after pleading guilty to nine counts of robbery, each related to distracted cell phone thefts.
Police say the 24-year-old entered restaurants in several locations, approaching people who were eating meals and who had their phones on the tables.
Stanescu would place a map or other paperwork on the phone, before distracting his victims and stealing the phone.
CCTV shows Stanescu, of no fixed abode, tricking a victim in a Surrey restaurant – having also committed robberies in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire – between April and July this year.
Nirex Stanescu was arrested after pleading guilty to nine counts of robbery, each related to cell phone distraction thefts
CCTV shows Stanescu, of no fixed abode, tricking a victim in a restaurant in Surrey
She was eventually arrested on September 25 and pleaded guilty to her crimes during a hearing at Reading Magistrates' Court on September 27, where she was sentenced to eight months in prison.
Det Const Michael Hanson, of Thames Valley Police, said: 'Stanescu used distraction 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 was sentenced to prison as a result.
“I hope your time in prison is used constructively to reflect on your offensive behaviour.
“Although Stanescu used distraction techniques, this case is a timely reminder of the risks involved in leaving property in plain sight.
“I advise people to keep their properties close at hand, or out of sight, to prevent opportunists like Stanescu from attacking them.”
Inspector Chris Thoday, of Surrey Police, added: “We worked closely with Thames Valley Police to ensure Stanescu was held to account for his repeated and targeted crimes which spread across several counties.
“By analyzing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses, we identified Stanescu and his cell phone stealing tactics.
'This type of distraction theft is something we are seeing across Surrey, so we are asking people to be aware of their surroundings and secure their belongings while they are out.'
Stanescu (facing the camera) was eventually arrested on September 25 and pleaded guilty to her crimes during a hearing at Reading Magistrates' Court on September 27.
Stanescu would place a map or other paperwork on the phone, before distracting his victims and stealing the phone.
Police say the 24-year-old entered restaurants in several locations, approaching people who were eating and who had their phones on the tables.
Police said to minimize the risk of your phone being stolen, keep it out of sight when in public areas.
They said to make sure your phone is password protected and when you leave the table, even for a short time, always take your phone with you.
They advised that if a stranger asks to use your phone, don't give it to them.
Instead, offer to make the call on their behalf and put it on speakerphone.
If you lose or have your phone stolen, call your carrier and lock your phone as soon as possible.
