Man finally sentenced for Harlow burglary after leaving the country to 'escape justice'
The 26 year old was arrested as his flight landed at Heathrow airport in November.
A 26 year old burglar who stole £20,000 worth of jewellery from a home in Essex, before leaving the country, has finally been sentenced for his crime.
Dragos Munteanu, 26, formerly of London appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday 9 January where he was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment for the burglary after he admitted the charge at a previous hearing.
An investigation started after the resident of a property in Harlow reported that they had been burgled on the morning of 8 June 2021.
After the victim left for work, CCTV captured Dragos Munteanu arrive in a car with two other men and go to the rear of the property, where they forced open a window.
Detectives established that Dragos Munteanu had left the UK several days later.
Essex Police officers worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and applied for an international arrest warrant. Further work with the National Crime Agency resulted in Dragos Munteanu being extradited back to the UK.
"Burglary is, and always will be, a force priority"
The 26-year-old was arrested upon arrival of a flight at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday 7 November 2023.
Munteanu was subsequently charged with burglary and remanded in custody to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday 8 November 2023.
Detective Sergeant Alfie Self said:
"Dragos Munteanu tried to escape the arms of justice, however following a complex investigation and joint working with other agencies, he has now been sentenced for the crime he committed.
"Burglary is, and always will be, a force priority, and we will do all we can to thoroughly investigate and identify those responsible for any burglary."
Two other men were jailed in 2021 for their part in the same burglary when they appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court.
In December 2023, burglary-dwelling in Harlow district is down 5.1% compared to the same time in 2022.