Woman jailed for pickpocketing in city centre

A woman has been jailed for six months following a policing operation aimed at reducing pickpocketing in Liverpool city centre held yesterday, Sunday 11 February.

There were increased patrols in the city centre yesterday for Chinese New Year celebrations and as part of Operation Ghost, which aims to reduce theft from person offences in the city centre.

During the operation, officers observed a woman, who is known to police for previous theft offences, acting suspiciously on Berry Street and she seemed to be paying close attention to people’s belongings while stood in a crowd.

The woman, now known to be Luminita Mihai, 24, of Langton Road, Liverpool, was arrested at the scene and subsequently charged with a previous theft in September 2023 when she stole a mobile phone from a student near to Starbucks on Mount Pleasant.

Mihai was sentenced to six months imprisonment at Liverpool Magistrates Court today, Monday 12 February.

Sergeant Craig Winstanley, who is the lead for Operation Ghost, said: “I hope the sentencing of Mihai today sends a clear message to anyone who comes into Liverpool city centre intent on stealing from innocent people. Let me be clear, this will not be tolerated.

“Operation Ghost was launched in response to theft from person offences being committed and to date, we have made numerous arrests, executed search warrants and travelled across the North West to find offenders.

“We will be relentless in our pursuit of those involved in theft and we will continue to work with partners including Liverpool City Council and Liverpool BID in order to keep the city centre safe for all those who live, study, work and socialise here.”

"Mihai’s actions were thoughtless and callous and I hope that her sentence provides her time to consider her actions.”

If you have any information on suspected theft, always call 999 if a crime is in progress. You can also pass information via our social media desk on Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’. You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555 111 or via their online form at: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/give-information.