Thieves have been banned from all Tesco stores after being caught taking £4,600 worth of products. Mariana Ghencea, 40, and Robert-Florin Ghencea, 28, were arrested on May 1 after stealing items from the supermarket over the course of three months.
They first came to police attention after stealing from a Tesco in Gillingham, Kent, and were linked across the county after targeting stores in Sevenoaks, Whitstable and Folkestone.
Invesitagtors then contacted Tesco’s head office and worked with its security team, which revealed another 26 thefts, Kent Online reports.
The pair stole premium products such as Filippo Berio olive oil, Lurpak butter and Lavazza coffee beans, between February 19 and April 3.
Each stealing spree goods of values between £59 and £535 stolen, with the total value of items taken over the months estimated at around £4,630.
Police traced the couple’s vehicle to Dagenham, east London and attended two addresses linked to them on May 1.
The male suspect was found hiding in a garden shed, however both were arrested on Arnold Road.
The pair admitted to all offences at Medway Magistrates’ Court on May 4. They were given conditional bail, including a ban from every Tesco store in the country.
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.”
She added: “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.”
