How mobile phones are stolen in cafes using distraction tactics (6 photos + 1 video)
Category: Interesting photo stories, PEGI 0+
15 October 2024
Why you should keep an eye on your phone at a restaurant table: Shocking video shows the sneaky tricks a serial thief uses to distract victims and steal their mobiles. This thief has been busted and jailed, but their names are legion. 
Nirex Stanescu has been jailed after pleading guilty to nine counts of stealing mobile phones. The 24-year-old, who police say would walk into cafes and restaurants and approach people while they were eating, holding their phones on the tables.
Before distracting the victim, Stanescu would place a card or other papers on top of their phone. CCTV showed her scamming one of her victims in a restaurant in Surrey, as well as carrying out thefts in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire between April and July this year.
Nirex Stanescu pleaded guilty to nine counts of stealing mobile phones.
CCTV shows Stanescu defrauding one victim in a restaurant in Surrey
She was eventually arrested on September 25 and pleaded guilty at Reading Magistrates' Court on September 27, where she was given an eight-month sentence.
"Stanescu used distraction techniques to steal her victims' phones and I am pleased that she pleaded guilty at her first hearing and received a fair sentence," said Detective Constable Michael Hanson of Thames Valley Police. "I hope she uses her time in prison to rethink her criminal behaviour."
The case serves as a reminder of the risks of leaving property unattended. "I would advise people to always keep their belongings close at hand or out of sight of these types of criminals," said Hanson.
Inspector Chris Thoday, of Surrey Police, added: “We have been working closely with Thames Valley Police to bring Stanescu to justice for her repeated and targeted offences across several counties. After reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing witnesses, we have established Stanescu’s identity and her tactics for stealing mobile phones. We are seeing similar distraction thefts across Surrey and would urge people to be aware of their surroundings and protect their belongings.”
Police strongly recommend keeping your phone out of sight of strangers when you are in public places to reduce the risk of it being stolen.
It is important to secure your device by setting a password and always carrying it with you, even if you are only leaving your desk for a short time.
If a stranger asks you to use your phone, do not hand it over to them. Instead, offer to make a call on their behalf and put them on speakerphone. If your phone is lost or stolen, contact your network provider immediately and block the device as soon as possible.
