Thieves Steal Precious Bracelet From 98-Year-Old Woman's Wrist While She Rests on Walking Frame

A Disturbing Trend of Theft in Manchester

A 98-year-old woman experienced a harrowing incident when a priceless bracelet was stolen from her wrist while she was resting on her walking frame in Manchester City Centre. The theft occurred on Saturday afternoon, and the police are currently investigating the case, having arrested three individuals connected to the crime.

The pensioner was sitting on Dale Street at around 3:30pm when two women approached her. They engaged her in conversation, distracting her while one of them managed to slip the golden bracelet off her wrist. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) described the piece as a "priceless family heirloom" that the woman had inherited from her mother.

Interestingly, the same day saw another similar incident reported on Oxford Street. Two women approached a lady there, with one attempting to remove her rings while the other acted as a lookout. Following an initial investigation, GMP has arrested three women aged 27, 33, and 35. However, the beloved bracelet remains missing, and the police are appealing to the public for assistance in recovering it.

A photograph of the elegant golden and green bracelet has been released to help in the search. GMP is urging anyone who recognizes the item, has seen it sold, or has otherwise come across it to contact the authorities. Individuals can reach out to the police on 101 or use the live chat at gmp.police.uk, quoting crime reference number CRI/06A2/0000963/26. Alternatively, information can be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Criminal Activities Targeting Premier League Stars

In addition to this disturbing theft, criminal gangs have been targeting Premier League stars and their families for luxury goods. These items are then transported to Ireland, where they are exchanged for guns and drugs. Career criminals linked to the feared Dublin-based "Gucci Gang" have been targeting players living in Cheshire and Merseyside. They have reportedly partnered with Albanian crooks to steal valuables, including watches worth up to £500,000 and designer jewelry.

Several Premier League players, such as Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling, Alexander Isak, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, have had their homes burgled, resulting in losses of hundreds of thousands of pounds in recent years.

International Fraudster Behind Shoplifting Spree

Meanwhile, an eastern European "Bonnie & Clyde" shoplifter has been revealed as an international fraudster. Legenda Rostas, 30, and an accomplice were responsible for a distraction burglary this summer that led to almost £7,000 in cash, silver, and a Rolex watch. This incident forced an independent jeweller to close down temporarily.

It has come to light that Rostas previously stole more than £168,000 from US retailers before continuing her crime wave in Britain. The Romanian national appeared at Swindon Crown Court from her prison cell earlier this month via video link. She was sentenced to just eight weeks in prison and ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £154.