Migrant jewel thief spared jail despite committing diamond heist | UK | News

Romanian Claudia Rostas, 33, appeared in court this week after admitting stealing a diamond ring worth £5,750 while standing inches away from a jeweller’s shop, the Daily Mail reported. A judge described her as an “honest woman” who showed “limited remorse” but avoided prison because her 12-year-old son was being treated for cancer.

It is also possible that he continues to receive benefits despite having a string of burglary convictions spanning a decade. If her case sounds familiar, you might be thinking of another foreign criminal who came back into the spotlight last week, Tsvetka Todorova.

The Bulgarian immediately applied for Universal Credit after being released from prison for his role in Britain’s biggest ever benefits fraud, but this was cut off when the media alerted the Department for Work and Pensions.

While Todorova, 54, was more than happy to talk to reporters, Rostas responded to questions simply: “It’s none of your business.”

But while immigration campaigners question how a professional criminal is allowed to remain in the country just to steal and claim benefits, others disagree.

Prisoners are barred from receiving government benefits, but released prisoners or people serving a sentence other than prison may still qualify.

CCTV captures ingenious theft operation

Rostas was caught on CCTV walking towards his final target, Hamilton’s jewelers in Dorset, on April 26, 2025.

After asking questions about the ring with a male accomplice, she asked the staff to gift-wrap it, changing her mind at the last second about the style of paper she wanted them to use.

As the jeweler turned his head for a few seconds, Rostas grasped the ring, closed the lid of the box, and placed it back on his arm.

While doing this, he continued to look at the worker; It was obvious that he was a master at doing this trick without looking at his hands.

The trickster then handed the empty package back to the unannounced staff member, who, assuming the ring was still inside, began wrapping it as a gift.

Then came the escape when Rostas “discovered” he didn’t have enough money. He told the staff he would pick up the rest from his mother outside and left, leaving them with what they thought was a pre-wrapped gift.

Ten-year crime spree in England

This wasn’t his first rodeo, as evidenced by his professionalism.

Rostas, who has lived in England since the age of seven, had previous convictions for targeting jewelery stores across the country.

Each time, he received either a suspended prison sentence or a short sentence without violating the one-year threshold at which he would be automatically liable for deportation.

His most prolific spell came in 2019, when he stole £8,250 worth of jewelery from Jewelers in Stockton in February, and four months later he escaped from Claybrooks jewelers in Herne Bay with a gold chain and a bracelet worth £6,258.

Stricter deportation laws are demanded

Robert Bates, Director of Research at the Center for Immigration Control, believes his case is illustrative of broader problems in immigration and the criminal justice system.

“This is a perfect example of the urgent need for a change in the law that will make it much easier to deport foreign-born criminals, especially habitual offenders,” he told the Mail.

“The immigration system allows large numbers of professional criminals into the country who have no value and are making everyone’s lives worse.”

“It is time for us to take a tougher line and prevent Britain from becoming a playground for foreign gangs and criminals.”

The Mail said it had asked the Home Office to explain Rostas’ UK residence status or whether any efforts were being made to deport him.

Answering journalists’ questions about his residence status, Rostas replied with a London accent: “This is none of your business; this is my job, my life.”

“The trial is over. I don’t want to talk to anyone about it.”

Rostas, who made just £750 from his latest theft, was identified via CCTV and arrested at Stansted Airport on his way back from Romania.

The ring itself was never found and he refused to help police find it.

Rostas was sentenced to probation for a previous burglary in Herne Bay, Kent.

The defense cited the sick child as the reason for the theft

Guy Gosheron, defending, said the money he earned from the theft was used to treat his sick son, who suffers from acute lymphoblastic leukemia and a brain tumour, and is only expected to live up to three years.

He also said he lost a child to cancer in 2022 and faced “significant financial difficulties” as he traveled from their home in North London to Great Ormond Street Hospital several times a week for chemotherapy.

Mr Gosheron said: “He has not been in trouble for some time and the relapse of his disruptive behavior is due to his son being ill.”

“Tragically, the situation is very bleak and he wishes he could give her gifts while making the most of their time together.”

“She wasn’t working and wasn’t on benefits and was financially strapped, so she wasn’t in the best position to shower her child with gifts.”

“That’s why he resorted to committing this crime.”

The judge postponed the sentence and imposed a shopping ban

District Judge Orla Austin described Rostas as a career criminal with a history of fraud and deception.

“This was a sophisticated, deliberate distraction theft,” he told her.

“After all, you are a skilled thief, and you used your skill to retrieve the ring that was now lost and unrecoverable.

“I make it clear that I have significant reservations about your integrity.

“You told me, very sadly, that you had a child who died of cancer and now you have another child.

“Mr Gosheron has seen documents confirming this.

“I am ready to give you one last opportunity and postpone your sentence.”

Rostas, who admitted the theft, was given a 26-week prison sentence and 20 rehabilitation activity days for two years and ordered to pay compensation of £800 taken monthly from his benefits.

The judge also banned him from visiting every shop in England and Wales except food shops, post offices and pharmacies for the next year.

He added: “If you want an electrical product or clothing you will need to buy it from a supermarket or online.”

“I recognize that this is a significant infringement on your freedom, but I believe it is proportionate given your prolific crimes.”