Published: 2024-03-16 by, News Team in the Traffic & Travel news category

Trio Convicted in £14,000 Suitcase Theft Spree on LNER Trains

A gang of suitcase snatchers has been apprehended for targeting passengers traveling between Newcastle and Darlington, resulting in thefts amounting to approximately £14,000. The culprits, identified as Nadezhda Ivanova, her daughter Gina Kalcheva, and Mariana Petrova, preyed on unsuspecting LNER customers, causing significant disruption, stress, inconvenience, and financial loss to their victims.

According to court proceedings at Newcastle Crown Court, the trio, assisted by a Bulgarian interpreter, were traced thanks to tracking software installed on a stolen iPad. While Ivanova has been sentenced to jail time, Kalcheva and Petrova received suspended prison sentences.

Prosecutor Vince Ward highlighted that the thefts occurred within the LNER rail system, with CCTV footage capturing the events at both Newcastle and Darlington railway stations. The first victim, who suffered a loss of personal belongings worth £815 on June 6, 2022, expressed deep distress and anxiety over the incident, indicating a loss of confidence in future railway travel.

Subsequent thefts on the same day and later occasions further underscored the emotional and financial toll inflicted on the victims. One passenger, a student at Durham University, recounted the distress caused by losing valuables and medication, setting the tone for heightened anxiety and apprehension during future travels.

The court heard accounts of victims experiencing considerable stress and discomfort as a result of the thefts, with one victim, traveling to South Korea, expressing distress over the loss of family passports. Ivanova and Petrova were apprehended in Darlington, while Kalcheva was traced to Sheffield, admitting their involvement in the crimes.

Petrova's criminal history, including theft convictions in the UK and other countries, was presented to the court, influencing her sentencing to two years suspended for two years with community service. Ivanova received a jail sentence of 27 months, while Kalcheva was given an eight-month suspended sentence with community service.

In defense, Ian Cook represented Ivanova, emphasizing financial hardship as a motive for her actions, noting her current employment in a factory. Kalcheva, Ivanova's daughter, also cited financial struggles exacerbated by language barriers, although she is presently employed. Jane Foley, representing Petrova, highlighted her responsibilities as a parent and her commitment to avoid reoffending.

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