Two burglars who targeted jewellery at addresses in north and west Kent are starting prison sentences.
On 5 February 2022, Gabriel Zaharia, Gheorghe Ciobotaru and Valentin Ciobotaru travelled to Sevenoaks in a silver Mercedes and forced a window open at a house in Hillydeal Road. Following an untidy search they left the scene empty-handed.
On the same day, they targeted two addresses in Shoreham Lane, Sevenoaks, one in Leyton Cross Road, Dartford and a further property in Summerhouse Drive, Bexley. They stole jewellery following untidy searches at the premises.
Arrests
Detectives from the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad examined CCTV footage near the scenes and identified the vehicle the offenders had used. Their enquiries led them to arrest all three in the Mercedes as they travelled through Ilford, Greater London on 9 February.
The investigation also proved that the suspects were responsible for two burglaries at Garden Way and Spring Grove, Loughton, Essex on 4 February.
The three men, all of no fixed address, were later charged with six burglaries and pleaded guilty at Maidstone Crown Court on 17 March.
Sentenced
On Thursday 28 July, Gabriel Zaharia, aged 30, and Valentin Ciobotaru, aged 34, both received five years and three months’ imprisonment.
Gheorghe Ciobotaru, aged 42, is due to be sentenced on 7 September.
Detective Constable Dan Bister said: ‘This criminal gang travelled between Kent and Essex leaving a trail of destruction as they forced their way into houses and searched for jewellery.
‘They gave no thought for the impact their heartless actions would have on the victims, some of whom lost jewellery of significant sentimental value. Kent and Essex will be a much safer place while two of the criminals start serving their prison sentences and the third remains remanded in custody.’