Three women have been jailed for a string of thefts and attempted robberies, including the targeting of a 97-year-old woman who was hugged and kissed while they stole her antique jade bracelet. The incident occurred on Dale Street in Manchester city centre on 10 January this year, as the victim, who uses a walking aid, waited for her husband to collect her.
How the Thefts Unfolded
CCTV footage shows Geta Schian, 33, and Sefora Mazarache, 27, surrounding the elderly woman, holding her hand, embracing her, and kissing her. The affectionate gestures were a distraction while they swiped the valuable bracelet from her hand. The footage formed a key part of the prosecution's case.
The theft was part of a series of incidents involving the two women and a third defendant, 35-year-old Geneza Dumitru. Police said they “worked together to distract, charm and steal from lone women in the community.”
Earlier Attempts on the Same Day
Less than two hours before targeting the 97-year-old, at around 1:50 pm, the three women approached a woman standing on Oxford Road who was waiting for her daughter. Two of them engaged her in conversation while the third kept watch. One of the women embraced the victim and tried to remove a ring from her finger. The victim cried out for help, and the women fled.
Other Incidents
On 9 October last year, Mazarache approached a mother walking her son to nursery on Meldon Road in Rusholme. She complimented the woman and her child while simultaneously tugging at her ring finger. When the victim withdrew her hand, Mazarache attempted to snatch her mobile phone. The victim cried out for assistance, and the women left.
On 27 November last year, Mazarache and Schian approached a woman walking home along Oxford Road. They began grabbing and hugging her, asking for food and money. They then led her under an archway, where one of them yanked a gold bracelet from her wrist before fleeing in different directions.
Sentencing
The trio were arrested on 14 January and appeared for sentencing at Manchester Crown Court on Monday, 6 July. Geta Schian, of Calbourne Avenue, east London, received a 28-month prison sentence for attempted theft from the person. Sefora Mazarache, of Jessop Street, Manchester, was handed a 38-month prison term for attempted robbery. Geneza Dumitru, of Dukinfield Road, Manchester, was sentenced to 28 months in prison for robbery.
Police Statement
PC David Dombai, from GMP’s Neighbourhood Crime Team based at Longsight Police station, said: “We take reports like these very seriously. Our local police teams are committed to tackling crime and keeping the people of our communities safe. We hope this sentence sends a message that robbery will not be tolerated. We will pursue offenders and bring them to justice. If you see anything like this, please do report it to the police and we will pursue it with the greatest importance.”
