Two thieves have been banned from Tesco stores after a three-month shoplifting spree where they stole Filippo Berio olive oil and Lurpak butter.
Mariana and Robert-Florin Ghencea came to the attention of police on March 21 when they targeted the supermarket in Courteney Road, Gillingham.
The pair came to the attention of Kent Police after targeting the Gillingham store. Picture: Google Maps
Officers linked the pair to another six incidents across the county at Tesco stores in Sevenoaks, Whitstable and Folkestone.
Investigators contacted the supermarket’s head office and, working with their security team, discovered another 26 thefts from shops across south England between February 19 and April 3.
Targeting high-value items such as Filippo Berio olive oil, bags of Lavazza coffee beans and tubs of Lurpak butter, the pair stole between £59 and £535 worth of goods each time.
The total of the stolen items is estimated to be around £4,630.
Offices tracked the pair’s vehicle to Dagenham, in east London, and, on Friday (May 1), attended two properties believed to be linked to them.
Despite Robert-Florin running to hide in a garden shed, he and Mariana were arrested at their home in Arnold Road.
They admitted all offences at Medway Magistrates’ Court
Mariana, 40, and Robert-Florin, 28, were charged with 26 counts of shoplifting.
At a hearing at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Monday (May 4), the pair admitted to all offences and were given conditional bail terms, including a ban from all Tesco locations.
They will be sentenced at the same court on Thursday, July 16.
Investigating officer Police Sergeant Sophie Lawrie said: “The Ghenceas have caused havoc to businesses across south England and we are satisfied they admitted to having done so.
“They have caused a nuisance for numerous security guards who have had to confront them during their offending, as well as taking thousands of pounds worth of items.
“Our officers acted quickly and drove to Dagenham to arrest them, which should act as a warning to others not to come into our county and offend.
“We will come and find you wherever you are.”