On October 16, 2022, Iulian Vladu and accomplice Geta Marin travelled to Warrington with the intent to commit theft. They successfully stole a wallet from a man shopping in the area. Police later recovered CCTV footage of the incident along with the vehicle used by the duo.

Ten days after the theft, West Yorkshire Police arrested Vladu and Marin when they stopped the car. They were taken to Bradford police station where they were charged with theft in Cheshire. Although they were released on bail, both failed to appear at court, leading to warrants issued for their arrest.

Subsequent Crime in Warrington

On September 25, 2023, Vladu returned to Warrington, this time accompanied by Florin Moga. Together, they distracted a victim and stole his wallet containing £400 and various bank cards, which were later used to withdraw £1,000 from the victim’s account. CCTV footage again helped police identify their vehicle, and on October 3, they were arrested in Oxford by Thames Valley Police.

Following their arrest, they were transported back to Warrington where they were charged with the theft offenses. On October 5, they appeared at Warrington Magistrates' Court and were released on conditional bail.

However, after their release, Vladu and Moga attempted to escape to Ireland from Holyhead. Officers apprehended them before they could board the ferry and subsequently charged them with likely breaching police bail. Both were remanded in custody.

Sentencing

Vladu, aged 48, from Gladstone Road, Northampton, and Moga, aged 33, from Fowleshill Road, Coventry, pleaded guilty to theft, fraud by false representation, and likely to breach police bail. Vladu also admitted to an additional count of theft related to the earlier incident. On December 27, they received a sentence of 16 weeks in prison.

Police Constable Graham Davies commented on the case, stating, “Vladu and Moga purposefully travelled to Warrington to commit crime, underestimating our commitment to apprehend them.” He praised the work of PCs Sam Horton and Abbie Delaney, along with collaborators at Thames Valley Police and West Yorkshire Police for their efforts in bringing the criminals to justice.

Ongoing Investigation for Geta Marin

A warrant for the arrest of Geta Marin, aged 20, from Scunthorpe, remains outstanding. Anyone with information regarding her location is urged to contact Cheshire Police by calling 101 and quoting reference 23001015475.