Boiler theft gang jailed for new-build home raids

Police have brought down an organised crime group that stole boilers and other appliances from new-build homes across England.

Hertfordshire Constabulary led a national investigation into the gang, which targeted housing developments in 10 counties.

The four men, from Northampton and London, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary and were jailed at St Albans Crown Court last week.

They forced their way into 449 properties by smashing windows before stealing white goods, heat pumps and boilers, police said.

Officers said the break-ins took place in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Gloucestershire, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, Suffolk, Surrey, Sussex and Wiltshire.

The thefts, which happened between January and October 2025, caused extensive damage, with losses exceeding £1m.

Police said the burglars "created serious safety risks" by leaving gas and water pipes exposed.

In some cases, the homes had already been sold with buyers waiting to move in.

The three burglars from Northampton were Ilie Turcan, 26, of Rounding Mews; Tudor Ionas, 25, of Harrington Close; and Victor Borta, 19, of Pitstone Road. They were jailed for different terms, ranging from 47 months to 58 months.

Dinis Cibotari, 24, of Avondale Road in Canning Town, London, was also sentenced to four years and two months in prison.

Det Con Tilly Andrews, investigating officer from Operation Linkage, the constabulary's response to home burglaries, said: "Their actions affected developers and buyers who were eagerly waiting to move in to their new homes.

"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."

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