Four men jailed for burglary spree targeting new-build homes across the UK
More than £1 million in losses from 449 targeted properties
Last updated 9 hours ago
Four men have been sentenced to prison following their guilty plea to involvement in a series of burglaries that targeted new-build homes nationwide.
The crime group operated across 10 counties, including Hertfordshire, focusing on new housing developments.
Their method involved breaking windows to gain entry and stealing boilers, white goods, and heat pumps.
The burglaries took place between January and October 2025, leaving behind extensive damage, with severed gas and water pipes posing safety risks.
With a total of 449 properties burglarised, the losses exceeded £1 million, impacting developers and potential homeowners eager to move into their new homes.
Hertfordshire Constabulary spearheaded the national investigation, identifying four suspects who were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit burglary.
All four men admitted their involvement and were sentenced at St Albans Crown Court on 22nd July.
Ilie Turcan, 26, from Northampton, received a sentence of four years and 10 months in prison.
Tudor Ionas, 25, also from Northampton, was sentenced to four years and nine months.
Dinis Cibotari, 24, from London, faces four years and two months behind bars.
Victor Borta, 19, from Northampton, has been sentenced to three years and 11 months.
Detective Constable Tilly Andrews, part of Hertfordshire Constabulary's Operation Linkage tackling home burglaries, commented on the operation.
"This group carried out a large-scale series of burglaries which caused more than £1 million worth of losses and left hundreds of properties damaged," Tilly Andrews said.
"Their actions affected developers and buyers who were eagerly waiting to move into their new homes. In many cases, they also created serious safety risks by leaving gas and water pipes exposed."
"This was a complex investigation involving liaison between developers and other police forces from across the country. Thanks to the hard work and determination of everyone involved, we were able to identify those responsible and bring them before the courts."
"These sentences ensure the four men responsible have been held to account and faced justice for the damage they caused."