Romanian woman sentenced for stealing from elderly in London

A Romanian woman has been sentenced to prison for stealing from elderly people in London. Luminita Stefan, 29, arrived in the UK in March 2023 and began her crimes soon after. She pretended to be pregnant to trick her way into homes in areas like Islington and Camden. Stefan's method was to knock on doors, ask for a glass of water or to use the bathroom, and then steal valuables. Her victims were often vulnerable, including a 97-year-old man. She took items like cash, watches, and jewelry, some of which had deep sentimental value. Investigators linked her to nine burglaries using fingerprints found at the crime scenes and her history of theft in several European countries. In June 2024, she was caught trying to leave the UK from Luton Airport. At Snaresbrook Crown Court, she was given a four-and-a-half-year sentence after pleading guilty to multiple counts of burglary. The police expressed relief that she would spend time in prison for her actions. They highlighted the need for the public to report information about crimes and those involved in selling stolen goods.