The face every Birmingham woman with an iPhone needs to see

This is the face of a man who targeted women in Birmingham city centre to steal their iPhones. 'Professional' pickpocket Alexandru Petcu took devices from three victims, one of whom was pregnant at the time.

The victims were devastated due to losing sentimental photographs such as honeymoon snaps and even a sonogram, as well as important documents and access to their online banking. Petcu, a 32-year-old Romanian, claimed he was stealing to buy food and clothes - yet he was staying at luxurious accommodation at The Cube at the time.

West Midlands Police released his picture after he was jailed at Birmingham Crown Court last month. Petcu first struck on March 9 this year, then again four days later and for a third time on July 11. The phones he pocketed were worth more than £2,700 in total.

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"He walked around Birmingham city centre trying to pick targets, in due course standing very close by and stealing items from people's pockets," said prosecutor Philip Brunt. He added: "Frankly it was a professional operation. It was the only reason he was in the city centre to target those people."

One of the women was followed around a Boots store on her break from work. In a statement she spoke of the upheaval of having to cancel her bank cards when she returned to her shift.

Another victim, who was eight months pregnant at the time, lost her baby sonogram images and also received late payment fines due to not being able to access her online banking. She spoke of nearly having a panic attack when she realised her phone was gone and described the aftermath as 'extremely distressing'.

Petcu's third victim lost 'irreplaceable' honeymoon photographs and saved voice notes from people who had since died. She admitted feeling 'overwhelmed' and having an 'emotional breakdown' at the theft of her phone.

Petcu claimed he sold the phones on the street to an unknown male who was either Albanian or Turkish. His barrister Lynette McClement said: "He tells me he came from London to Birmingham without work because his CSCS (Construction Skills Certificate Scheme) card has expired. He came to Birmingham and was living with Romanian friends at an apartment in The Cube paying £200-a-month.

"That's the reason he stole the first phone. He said he stole further phones for food and clothing. I concede it is highly professional pickpocketing. It's clear he observed these women when using mobile phones then followed them."

Petcu, also of Creighton Avenue, East Ham in London, admitted three counts of theft and was sentenced to two years at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday, October 21.