19/12/2025
Distraction Theft - Final Update (for now…)
Many of you will recall the theft that occurred at Old Bank Antiques earlier this year. It caused a lot of damage - not just financially, but emotionally too. A valued member of staff lost her confidence and resigned, and the shop has remained closed ever since.
We've had a few messages asking if we'll reopen. The honest answer is: we hope so. Life and business are complicated beasts at the best of times, but we haven't ruled anything out just yet.
As for the suspects - we now have some closure. Legenda Rostas appeared at Swindon Crown Court yesterday, pleaded guilty to theft, and was sentenced. Her punishment? A victim surcharge of £154 and eight weeks in prison (which will likely mean no more than four weeks behind bars). Hardly the Ocean's Eleven treatment.
What's more baffling is how someone with US federal convictions (and at least 2 years of prison time) for theft, wire fraud and illegal re-entry managed to stroll into the UK in the first place. A quick Google of her name brings up court records, media coverage and mugshots from a large-scale scam across multiple states. Yet somehow, here she was, helping herself to a Rolex, cash and some silverware in little old Bassett!
Her male accomplice? Deported. He was in the country illegally, so no charges were brought. A very neat exit for someone who caused so much harm.
A big thank you to journalist Ben Endley, whose diligent detective work helped connect the dots between our case and several other distraction thefts across the UK. If you missed it, his article in the Daily Mail paints quite the picture of this modern-day Bonnie and Clyde duo.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15047481/Eastern-European-Bonnie-Clyde-steal-jewellery-UK.html
For now, the doors of Old Bank Antiques remain closed - but the support we've received from our community has been a genuine comfort. Thank you all for your kind words, your leads, and your outrage on our behalf.
We'll keep you posted.
Merry Christmas to you all.
