Trainer swap thieves busted at Ashford designer outlet!
Fraud gang caught swapping pricey trainers for cheap kicks
Kent Police have cracked down on a sneaky scam at an Ashford designer outlet store. Crooks were swapping high-value trainers into boxes meant for bargain footwear, then paying for the cheap shoes at self-service tills.
The dodgy fraud happened on not one, but three occasions in August 2024 — on the 3rd, 24th and 31st.
Massive haul seized in Essex raid
Local officers launched an investigation that led them to a property in Essex. There, they confiscated over 400 shoe boxes. Of those, 45 were confirmed to be from the Ashford outlet, linking the suspects to the scam.
Four charged with theft and fraud
On Monday 2 September, charges were slapped on four individuals:
- Catalina Petre, 20, Holmes Street, Derby
- Camelia Panescu, 53, Broadway, Grays (Essex)
- Francisc Dumitru, 28, Holmes Street, Derby
- Viorel Panescu, 28, Broadway, Grays (Essex)
They’ve all been remanded to appear at Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on the same day — 2 September, facing theft and fraud allegations.
