Two more charged in connection with charity worker distraction thefts

Monday, 1 May 2023 01:00

Two more people have been charged in connection with a series of distraction thefts.

Elderly members of the public in Wiltshire were approached in the street by people pretending to be charity workers and had their jewellery stolen.

In a statement, Wiltshire Police said, "Beniamin Radu, 22, and Narcisa Schian, 22, both of Mears Drive, Birmingham, have been charged with conspiracy to steal. They have both been remanded in custody.

"Three other people - Alina Cristea, 21, Denisa Gheorghe, 27, and Patricia Tanase, 22, all of Jellicoe Close, Slough – have already been charged in connection with the incidents. They remain remanded in custody.

"The charges relate to incidents across Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Essex from February 2 to March 7.

"A further three people who were initially arrested in connection with the thefts have been released with no further action. One other person remains on bail following his arrest.

"All five people who have been charged are due to appear in court on Wednesday, May 3.

"We are continuing to appeal for anybody who feels they may have been a victim of a distraction theft to please get in touch with us on 101 quoting Operation Jewel."

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