Thieves Used Affection as a Distraction to Rob 97-Year-Old
Two women, Geta Schian, 33, and Sefora Mazarache, 27, approached a 97-year-old woman in Manchester city centre on January 10, 2026, while she waited for her husband. They held her hand, hugged, and kissed her, but this was a calculated ruse to steal a jade antique bracelet from her wrist. The incident was captured on clear CCTV footage, which Greater Manchester Police used as evidence.
Part of a Broader Crime Spree
The theft was part of a series of similar crimes committed by the women and a third accomplice, Geneza Dumitru, 35. Just an hour and 50 minutes earlier, the trio targeted another woman on Oxford Road, attempting to steal a ring. The victim shouted for help, and the women fled. On October 9, 2025, Mazarache approached a mother walking her son to nursery in Rusholme, complimenting her while trying to pull off her ring and grab her phone. On November 27, 2025, Mazarache and Schian stopped a woman on Oxford Road, hugged her, and then pulled a gold bracelet from her wrist under an archway before fleeing.
Arrests and Sentencing
The women were arrested on January 14, 2026, and sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on July 6, 2026. Schian, of Calbourne Avenue, east London, received 28 months for attempted theft. Mazarache, of Jessop Street, Manchester, received 38 months for attempted robbery. Dumitru, of Dukinfield Road, Manchester, received 28 months for robbery.
Police Statement
PC David Dombai of Greater Manchester Police 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.”
