Thief who targeted University of Birmingham students on campus is jailed

A woman who was stealing mobile phones from students on campus has been jailed after she was charged her with a series of thefts.

Michaela Ghita, aged 35, of no fixed abode, was jailed for a year after appearing at Birmingham Magistrates Court where she pleaded guilty to a charge of theft and four attempted thefts between October 18 and 20 this year.

Ghita was targeting students on campus at the University of Birmingham over a two day period earlier this month. She stole a mobile phone after she picked the pocket of one student and attempted to steal mobile phones from other students.

West Midlands Police officers were contacted by staff at the university after Ghita was caught red handed carrying out the thefts on CCTV.

Officers trawled through CCTV and identified Ghita. She was arrested and taken into custody where she was remanded.

After she was interviewed and charged with the offences she appeared in court and pleaded guilty to all charges.

What has West Midlands Police said?

Inspector Gemma Marston, CID Investigation Manager at Stechford, said: “We have a dedicated city centre team under Op Willowvale which raises awareness of pickpockets and will robustly investigate to stop these kind of crimes from happening in the city.

“Our officers reacted quickly to apprehend Ghita and she was arrested, charged and brought before the courts very quickly. We are pleased she has been jailed and taken off the streets.”