£75k Raid Gang Busted: Laptops, Speakers and Smartwatches Stolen
Ionel Stoian, 51, has been locked up for smashing his way into two stores and nicking hundreds of high-value gadgets in 2020. The haul included laptops, speakers, and smartwatches worth a whopping £75,000.
Two Raids, One Gang
Stoian’s crew hit branches in Kingstanding Way, Tunbridge Wells, and Fougeres Way, ashford/" title="Ashford" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Ashford. The Tunbridge Wells break-in happened at 1:50am on 15 September 2020, with thieves grabbing around 100 items valued at nearly £50,000. Just over a month later, on 24 October, the Ashford store was targeted after crooks cut a hole in a window and made off with electrical goods worth at least £25,000.
Forensics and a Ford Focus Lead Police to the Gang
Detectives found a black Ford Focus spotted near both raids, insured to Stoian. It was traced from his home in Havant, Hampshire, straight to the crime spots in Kent. Crucial forensic evidence sealed his fate — Stoian’s blood was found on a laptop charger at the Ashford scene.
Justice Served: Jail Time for Burglar
Stoian was arrested on 1 February 2021 alongside Nicusor Olteanu, 31, from Southsea. Stoian pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced to two years and three months behind bars on 2 August. Olteanu, who admitted handling stolen goods, got slapped with a £250 fine.
“Stoian was part of an organised crime group responsible for a string of commercial burglaries in Kent and beyond,” said Detective Constable Billie-Louise Mills. “They came armed with tools and bags to carry off as much loot as possible. There’s no doubt Stoian would have kept offending if we hadn’t caught him.”
