Three men sentenced after stealing £8,000 worth of alcohol in Norfolk and Suffolk
They were caught thanks to a tip-off from a member of the public
Last updated 18th Aug 2022
Norfolk Police say three men from London have been sentenced in connection with theft offences.
It was in connection with a number of incidents involving alcohol being stolen over the course of a five month period earlier this year from stores across Norfolk and Suffolk - including Norwich, Ipswich and Kings Lynn.
In total, more than £8000 worth of alcohol was stolen.
The incidents are reported to have happened between Saturday 12 March 2022 and Wednesday 10 August 2022 - with officers alerted by a member of the public which helped to finally get them caught.
They reported a large quality of alcohol had been stolen from a business premises in Campbells Meadow, Kings Lynn. before the defendants' vehicle being stopped shortly afterwards.
The alcohol and vehicle was seized... and with the driver having no insurance.
Both the driver and passenger were arrested. The remaining suspect was arrested on foot a short distance away. All three defendants were later identified as suspects in other thefts and were further arrested for these.
They all appeared at Norwich Magistrates’ Court on Friday 12 August 2022 for sentencing.
Ionut Preda, aged 21, of Erskin Road, London has been sentenced to one year and 18 weeks in prison for theft and ordered to pay £128 in compensation.
Alin Chica, aged 22, also of Erskin Road has been sentenced to one year in prison for theft and given six penalty points on his driving licence for driving without insurance.
Marian Ionite, aged 26, also of Erskin Road, London has been sentenced to 34 weeks in prison for theft and ordered to pay £128 in compensation.