Scrap Metal Thieves Busted After £25,000 Warehouse Raid
Three scrap metal thieves have been locked up after smashing their way into a Hersden warehouse, causing an estimated £25,000 worth of damage.
High-Tech Police Hunt Nets Crooks
The raid on the business premises in Island Road happened late on Saturday, 5 February 2022. The gang wrecked lights, CCTV cameras, a window, and other items while attempting to steal sacks of copper piping.
Kent Police were alerted at 9:40pm when a security guard saw an alarm going off and spotted intruders on CCTV. Officers arrived quickly, but the gang had fled. A National Police Air Service helicopter tracked the suspects as they ran off, discarding clothing and gear.
Thanks to the aerial help, three men – Marih Ilihca, 39, Costel Coscodaru, 25, and Mihai Florin, 19 – were soon arrested. Ilihca and Coscodaru were caught on Island Road; Florin was nabbed in Westbere. All three have no fixed address.
Sentenced to Over Two Years Behind Bars
The trio, part of a five-strong gang, admitted burglary and were sentenced to 2 years and 7 months each at Canterbury Crown Court on 6 May 2022.
Daytime inspections revealed a hole smashed through the warehouse wall, damaged CCTV, and three large bags of scrap copper dumped outside the broken security fence.
Detective Constable Rebecca Keeler said: “This group of thieves caused substantial damage and would have stolen valuable items if they hadn’t been stopped. I’d like to praise the officers and the police helicopter team for their quick work.”
“The case highlights the need for businesses to have strong CCTV and security. I encourage companies to review their security measures to prevent burglary.”
Protect Your Business from Burglars
For security tips, visit Kent Police’s business crime prevention page.
