Prosecution – Diana Popovici Westminster Magistrates Court

Ms Catalina aka Diana AGACHE AKA POPOVICI, aged 34 years of Great Cambridge Road, London, EN1, appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on Saturday 27th May 2023, charged with Theft Shoplifting, contrary to Section 1(1) and 7 of the Theft Act 1968. She was also charged with Going Equipped to Steal, contrary to Section 25 of the Theft Act, being in possession of a foil lined black osprey holdall.

She pleaded guilty to both matters.

Agache was sentenced to two weeks immediate imprisonment. The Magistrates stated that custody was necessary due to the seriousness of the offence and Agache’s long history of offending.

The case was brought by TM Eye as a private criminal prosecution.

Agache had originally failed to appear and had been wanted on a no bail warrant. She was arrested by police and taken to court.

TM Eye detectives from their Prolific Crimes team had originally arrested Agachi on the 16th July 2022, at Fortnum & Mason, 181 Piccadilly, St. James’s, London W1A 1ER. She had been caught stealing one (1)Traviata black calf handbag, one (1)Traviata bottle green calf handbag, one (1) sharing selection box of chocolates and one (1) Fortnum and Mason canvas lobster bag for life, to the value of £4,244.95. She had the foil lined bag in her possession when arrested by the TM Eye detectives.

A criminal case was prepared and she was prosecuted by TM Eye.

TM Eye CEO David McKelvey said,”the court recognised that Agache is a prolific and professional ‘thief’ who steals significant and valuable items.

She was also wanted on a European Arrest warrant and will be extradited having served her sentence of imprisonment in the UK.

TM Eye’s prolific crimes team are making a real difference by ‘catching and convicting’ criminals and bringing them to Justice”.

Shoplifting is estimated to cost the UK economy £2.2 billion each year.