Conwoman jailed for five years for £67,000 fraud and theft

Ariana Rose, 40, was sentenced to five years in prison on July 2 at Southwark Crown Court. She pleaded guilty to five charges of theft, four fraud offences, four of forgery, and one of perverting the course of justice.

Details of the offences

Rose stole jewellery valued at more than £35,000 and other items from properties located in Shipston-on-Stour and Southam. The total estimated value of her fraudulent activities reached approximately £67,000. Her methods included posing as a house-sitter to gain access to homes and targeting individuals through rental scams, where she posed as a landlady.

Detective Constable Adam Stather of Warwickshire Police stated that Rose funded a lavish lifestyle through these thefts, taking sentimental items from victims who trusted her. He added that the police hope the victims find some comfort now that she has been held accountable. Rose used the stolen goods and money for holidays, designer clothing, and car rentals. Evidence found on her phone and during a property search included photos of stolen items and a collection of war medals from the First World War, limited-edition books, and jewellery.

Court proceedings

Rose was found guilty of five counts of theft from a dwelling in December of the previous year. During her arrest, police bodycam footage showed Rose appearing visibly distressed, repeatedly saying "OK, OK." The court heard how one victim returned home to find a meal prepared, only to later discover items were missing and had been replaced with fakes.