Smethwick Mother-of-Six Catalina Stanciu Jailed Over Cruel Handsworth Distraction Burglary

HANDSWORTH, Birmingham — A mother-of-six has been jailed for three years and one month following a highly coordinated distraction burglary that targeted a vulnerable pensioner in Handsworth. Catalina Stanciu, 37, of Sabell Road, Smethwick, was sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court after pleading guilty to her role in the cruel theft of £25,000 in cash and jewellery.

Details of the Distraction Theft

The incident occurred on the afternoon of July 8, 2025, when Stanciu and three other women, all wearing headscarves, approached the home of an elderly pensioner in Handsworth. The homeowner, showing goodwill, offered the group free food. While the pensioner was distracted by some of the women, others gained entry to his home and conducted a search, locating and stealing £25,000 worth of cash and precious jewellery before fleeing the scene.

CCTV Appeal and Arrest

Following the raid, West Midlands Police launched an investigation and released CCTV footage of the suspects to the public. A probation officer recognized Stanciu from the footage and alerted detectives. This key tip-off led to Stanciu’s arrest and subsequent prosecution. The other three women involved in the distraction burglary remain unidentified.

Sentencing and Deportation

During the sentencing hearing, the judge condemned the preplanned and predatory nature of the burglary, which abused the victim’s generosity. In addition to her prison sentence of 37 months, it was confirmed that Stanciu, a Romanian national, faces deportation proceedings back to Romania upon the completion of her custodial term.