Heartless thief stole ring from widow’s finger
JAILED AFTER TARGETING 83-YEAR-OLD IN STREET
POLICE tracked a cruel thief who took a ring from an 83-year-old widow’s finger but was caught by automatic number plate recognition cameras – and her own DNA.
Heartless Claudia Buncici has now been put behind bars for three years after admitting the crime.
The victim was walking along Charles Avenue at the junction with Derby Road in Radford on the afternoon of July 14 last year when Claudia Buncici, 32, approached her and started talking to her, telling her it was her birthday.
As part of her distraction, Buncici handed the woman a package wrapped up in sticking tape and said she was giving it to her as a gift.
She then tried to steal the widow’s wedding ring from her finger but was unsuccessful.
However, she managed to steal a gold ring from her hand and a St Christopher’s chain from her neck – both gifts from her late husband – without her realising. The couple were married for 56 years before his death in 2014.
The package Buncici gave her was full of small stones.
DNA tests on the tape used to wrap it were a match for Buncici who was subsequently arrested and charged.
Camera evidence was obtained because of the vehicle Buncici used when she committed the offences.
Ten concerned officers from Nottinghamshire Police’s Radford response team rallied round and sent the victim flowers. The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “I received a card with about 10 police autographs in it first. Then I received the beautiful flowers with a lovely written card.
“It made me very emotional but it was so sweet and kind of everyone.
“I felt honoured they had done that for me as it was over and above them doing their job. I have shown the cards to everyone who have visited – even my dog approves! Thank you again so very much.”
In a statement, she added: “The chain and ring that were taken from me were gifts from my husband. Both are irreplaceable. Part of the reason I wore them was so I would always have something from him with me wherever I went.”
Buncici, of no fixed address, admitted theft and attempted robbery and was jailed for three years at Nottingham Crown Court.
After the hearing, Detective Constable Gavin Harper, from Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Buncici preyed on this elderly woman’s vulnerability and kindness in carrying out her despicable crimes. The ring and chain she stole were invaluable to the victim as they were both presents from her late husband.
“Now Buncici is behind bars I hope she will reflect on the immense pain she caused to this elderly woman by stealing these sentimental items.”
The chain and ring that were taken from me were gifts from my husband. Both are irreplaceable Victim