Professional Distraction Thief Avoids Prison Despite Sophisticated Crime
While many professionals develop specialised skills through formal training, Claudia Rostas has honed her particular talent through criminal enterprise. The 33-year-old Romanian national, now living in England, has perfected the art of distraction theft – a skill no classroom could teach.
This week saw Rostas in court once again, admitting to stealing a diamond ring worth £5,750 from Hamilton's jewellers in Dorset on April 26, 2025. Despite being described as a "dishonest woman" who showed "limited remorse" by the presiding judge, she escaped immediate imprisonment.
Compassionate Grounds Versus Criminal History
The court heard that Rostas's 12-year-old son is undergoing treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and a brain tumour, with doctors giving him just three years to live. This tragic circumstance proved decisive in the sentencing decision.
District Judge Orla Austin acknowledged Rostas as a career criminal with a history of dishonesty and deception, yet suspended her 26-week sentence for two years. She was also ordered to pay £800 compensation through monthly deductions from her benefits.
"This was a sophisticated, deliberate distraction theft," Judge Austin told Rostas. "Ultimately you are a skilled thief and used your skill to take that ring which has now disappeared and cannot be recovered."
A Decade of Criminal Activity
Rostas's latest conviction represents just one episode in a criminal career spanning over ten years. Her modus operandi typically involves targeting jewellery stores across England with distraction techniques.
In her most prolific period during 2019, she stole £8,250 worth of jewellery from Goldsmiths in Stockton in February, followed by a gold chain and bracelet worth £6,258 from Claybrooks jewellers in Herne Bay just four months later.
Remarkably, each previous conviction resulted in either suspended sentences or short jail terms – none exceeding the one-year threshold that could trigger automatic deportation proceedings.
The Sophisticated Dorset Heist
CCTV footage from Hamilton's jewellers reveals Rostas's professional technique. After examining the diamond ring with a male accomplice, she requested gift wrapping, then changed her mind about the paper style at the last moment.
As the jeweller turned away briefly, Rostas palmed the ring, closed the box lid, and returned it to its sleeve – all while maintaining eye contact with the staff member. She then handed back the empty package for wrapping before claiming she needed to retrieve more money from her mother outside, making her escape.
The stolen ring, valued at £5,750, was never recovered, and Rostas refused to assist police in locating it. She made just £750 from pawning the valuable item.
Immigration System Under Scrutiny
Rostas's case has reignited debate about foreign national offenders in Britain's criminal justice and immigration systems. Having lived in England since age seven, her continued presence despite repeated convictions raises questions about deportation policies.
Robert Bates, Research Director at the Centre for Migration Control, told the Mail: "This is a perfect example of the pressing need for a change in the law that would make it much easier to deport foreign national offenders, especially those who repeatedly offend."
"The immigration system allows lots of professional criminals into the country, who offer no value, and make life worse for everyone else," he added. "It is time we took a tougher line and stopped Britain being the playground for foreign gangs and criminals."
Benefits and Restrictions
Despite her criminal record, Rostas is likely to continue receiving state benefits. While prisoners are barred from claiming, those serving non-custodial sentences or released from prison remain eligible – a situation that has drawn criticism from immigration campaigners.
The judge imposed additional restrictions, banning Rostas from visiting any shops in England and Wales except food stores, post offices, and chemists for one year. "If you want an electrical item or clothing you will have to get it in a supermarket or online," Judge Austin stated.
Rostas's defence lawyer, Guy Gosheron, explained that financial pressures related to her son's treatment contributed to her return to crime. The family faces significant expenses travelling from their north London home to Great Ormond Street Hospital several times weekly for chemotherapy.
When approached by the Mail about her residency status, Rostas – speaking with a London accent – responded: "It's not your business – it's my business, my life. The court case is finished. I don't want to speak to anybody about it."
The Home Office has been asked to clarify Rostas's UK residency status and whether deportation efforts have been considered. The Department for Work and Pensions declined to comment on her benefits situation.
