Three Burglars Busted After Jewellery Raid Spree Across Kent and Essex
On 5 February 2022, Gheorghe Ciobotaru and two accomplices struck in Sevenoaks, forcing open a window on Hillydeal Road. They rummaged through the house but found nothing and left empty-handed.
Multiple Raids in Sevenoaks, Dartford and Bexley
The same day, the trio hit two homes on Shoreham Lane, Sevenoaks, another on Leyton Cross Road, Dartford, and a property on Summerhouse Drive, Bexley. This time, they made off with stolen jewellery after ransacking the houses.
CCTV Footage Leads to Arrest in Ilford
Detectives from the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad analysed CCTV near the crime scenes and traced the silver Mercedes the gang used. On 9 February, all three suspects were caught in that same car travelling through Ilford, Greater London.
They were also linked to two burglaries in Loughton, Essex, on 4 February.
Sentenced to Over Five Years Behind Bars
All three, with no fixed address, pleaded guilty to six burglaries at Maidstone Crown Court. On 30 September, 42-year-old Gheorghe Ciobotaru was jailed for five years and three months. The judge ordered the Mercedes to be sold to compensate victims.
His accomplices, 30-year-old Gabriel Zaharia and 34-year-old Valentin Ciobotaru, were each sentenced to the same jail term back on 27 July.
Detective Constable Dan Bister said: “This criminal gang travelled between Kent and Essex, leaving a trail of destruction as they forced their way into homes, searching for jewellery.”
“They showed no regard for the victims, many of whom lost jewellery of great sentimental value. Their sentences mean Kent and Essex are safer with these criminals behind bars.”
