A thief stole a purse in Warrington and fled to Sheffield by train. Police apprehended her and recovered the stolen cash.
A woman watched her get the money and followed the 55-year-old into the shop. The thief stole the victim’s purse while she was busy, and then ran away on foot.
Police quickly figured things out. The suspect went to Warrington train station and boarded a train heading to Sheffield. Warrington officers contacted transport police.
Police arrested her as she left the train and recovered the stolen cash. Warrington officers went to Sheffield, bringing the woman and money back.
That day, police charged Elenka Georgieva with theft. They held her in custody for court the next day. She is 32 and from Sheffield, with her address on Shoreham Street.
She pleaded guilty in court. Deputy Judge Roger Lowe sentenced her to a 12-month community order and an eight-week curfew.
The court recovered all of the stolen money. Georgieva must also pay £85 in costs and a £114 victim surcharge.
Inspector Lee Hillyard spoke about the arrest. Officers studied similar crimes in the area, noting thieves target vulnerable people who are distracted. This case involved collaboration with BTP.
Their swift response helped recover what might not have been otherwise. Hillyard emphasized that anyone can be a victim.
Thieves distract people in clever ways, and sometimes victims do not realize it right away. Report anything suspicious immediately to the police, and call 101 if you become a victim.