Brazen Phone Theft Foiled in Busy Tesco
Three crooks stormed a Tesco on Jane Murray Way, Burgess Hill, on the afternoon of 17 May. They ripped phones straight off the display, causing chaos in the busy store.
Quick Action from Staff and Off-Duty Cops
Their brazen theft didn’t go unnoticed. Staff, shoppers, and three off-duty police officers jumped into action. They tackled the suspects and recovered the stolen phones. In the scuffle, several people were assaulted.
Guilty Pleas Lead to Sentences
- Valetin Bocan, 24, homeless, was locked up for 23 months at Lewes Crown Court on 8 September.
- Mario Ilie, 18, from Barking, got 22 months suspended for two years.
- A 16-year-old from Ilford was sent to a youth offender panel, his name withheld for legal reasons.
Police Praise Swift Response
“This was a brazen act of attempted robbery, committed in a busy supermarket in broad daylight,” said Detective Constable Stuart MacPherson. “The defendants had no care for the consequences. Thanks to quick-thinking staff, customers and off-duty officers, they were caught and a major loss prevented.”
