Two Romanian men have been jailed after admitting to carrying out eight thefts targeting bus passengers in the space of just one week.Razvan Aurel Stefan, 44, was sentenced to four years behind bars, while Niculae Vasile, 56, received a two-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to the thefts, which took place between 15th and 21st August.According to the court, the pair repeatedly used the same method, jostling passengers as they boarded or got off buses before stealing their wallets and leaving the scene as reported by Times of Malta.The thefts took place across Gżira, Sliema, Msida and Valletta, including at the capital’s bus terminus.Victims reported losing hundreds of euros in cash alongside wallets, credit cards, identity documents, driving licences and other personal belongings.One passenger had €420 in cash stolen along with two credit cards, while another lost €400 as well as their ID card, driving licence and Tallinja card. Three attempts were later made to use the latter victim’s stolen credit card.Another victim reported losing €500, three credit cards, identification documents, driving licences and hotel room keys.Other stolen belongings included US dollars, Macedonian denars and Serbian, American and French documents.The court highlighted that all eight thefts took place within just seven days and followed essentially the same pattern.Both men confirmed their guilty pleas after Magistrate Nadia Vella gave them time to reconsider and consult their lawyer.When determining their sentences, the court considered the seriousness and repeated nature of the crimes while also taking into account their early guilty pleas.Stefan had three previous theft-related convictions, which also weighed against him when his punishment was determined.Ultimately, the court handed Stefan an effective 48-month prison sentence, while Vasile was jailed for 24 months, with time already spent in preventive custody deducted from both sentences.Lawyer Lennox Vella represented the two men.•