Sophisticated Distraction Theft Caught on Camera in Dorset Jewellers
In a brazen act captured in intricate detail by security cameras, a prolific distraction thief managed to steal a diamond ring worth £5,750 from a family-run jewellers in Christchurch, Dorset. The footage reveals the precise moment Claudia Rostas, 33, slipped the valuable item from its box while the unsuspecting shop worker momentarily turned her head.
The Elaborate Deception Unfolds
On April 26, 2025, shortly before closing time at 4.50pm, Rostas entered Hamilton's Jewellers accompanied by a male accomplice. The pair made enquiries about the diamond ring, with Rostas eventually asking staff to gift wrap her chosen item. At the critical moment, she changed her mind about the style of wrapping paper and ribbon she wanted used.
As the female jeweller turned her attention to select different materials for just a few seconds, Rostas demonstrated her well-honed criminal technique. While maintaining eye contact with the worker, she palmed the ring, closed the lid of the box, and replaced the sleeve - all without glancing at her hands.
The con-woman then handed the empty package back to the unwitting staff member, who proceeded to gift-wrap it assuming the ring remained inside. Rostas counted out cash before "discovering" she didn't have enough money, claiming she needed to collect the remainder from her mother waiting outside.
Discovery and Investigation
Moments after Rostas departed the premises, the reality of the situation dawned on the jewellers. Living every retailer's worst nightmare, the woman who served the thief opened the ring box to find it completely empty. The valuable item had vanished without trace.
Fortunately, the establishment's comprehensive CCTV system had captured every second of the deception. The footage proved instrumental in identifying Rostas, who was subsequently arrested at Stansted Airport upon her return from Romania. The stolen ring itself was never recovered, and Rostas refused to assist police in tracking it down.
Criminal Background and Court Proceedings
At Poole Magistrates' Court, prosecutor Charles Nightingale detailed how Rostas was part of a Romanian gang known for travelling across the country to target jewellers. The group has accumulated convictions spanning more than a decade across multiple regions including:
- Teesside
- Kent
- Devon
- London
- Bradford
- Rotherham
Rostas herself had been subject to a conditional discharge sentence for a previous offence in Kent when she committed this latest theft. District Judge Orla Austin described her as a "dishonest woman" who had shown "limited remorse" and possessed a demonstrable track record of theft across England.
Mitigating Circumstances and Sentence
Defence lawyer Guy Gosheron presented compelling mitigating circumstances that ultimately influenced the sentencing decision. Rostas, who is on benefits and not working, made just £750 from the £5,750 theft - money she claimed was used to treat her 12-year-old son.
The child suffers from acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and a brain tumour, with doctors estimating he may only live for up to three more years. Tragically, Rostas lost another child to cancer in 2022 and faces significant financial difficulties travelling from their home in Southgate, north London, to Great Ormond Street Hospital several times weekly for chemotherapy treatments.
Mr Gosheron argued: "She had been out of trouble for some time and the resumption of her offending results from her son being ill. Tragically the prognosis is very bleak and she wants to be able to provide him with gifts while she can make the most of the time they have together."
District Judge Austin acknowledged these circumstances while emphasising the sophistication of the crime: "This was a sophisticated, deliberate distraction theft. Ultimately you are a skilled thief and used your skill to take that ring which has now disappeared and cannot be recovered."
Unusual Sentencing Conditions
Showing what she described as "one final opportunity", the judge suspended Rostas's 26-week prison sentence for two years. The convicted thief received 20 rehabilitation activity days and was ordered to pay £800 compensation, to be deducted monthly from her benefits.
In an unusual additional measure, Rostas was banned from visiting any shops in England and Wales except for essential establishments including:
- Food stores
- Post offices
- Chemists
This restriction will remain in place for one year. District Judge Austin explained: "If you want an electrical item or clothing you will have to get it in a supermarket or online. I do recognise that's a significant infringement on your liberty but given your prolific offending I believe that is proportionate."
The case highlights both the sophisticated methods employed by organised distraction theft gangs and the complex balancing act courts face when sentencing offenders with compelling personal circumstances.
