Three members of a burglary gang who targeted North East homes taking jewellery, watches, cash and other valuable items from seven different homes are behind bars.
In a three-month period during 2022, Razvan Seitan, Norica Nita and Catalin Petre carried out the crimes, but have now all been given jail terms after pleading guilty to the offences.
The first burglary they committed took place at an address in Fenham on August 26 and saw jewellery, a watch and items of sentimental value taken from the victim, while the second, just days later on September 1, saw a money box containing hundreds of pounds taken.
Another burglary, also in the Fenham area, on September 10, saw the engagement and wedding rings of the victim’s grandmother and mother taken.
Following the last burglary, Petre was identified after his face was captured on CCTV as he climbed over the wall of a neighbouring property as he and his accomplices were disturbed.
Information from a witness led police to an address on Bentinck Road in the city where officers arrested the three men, who are all Romanian nationals.
A search by officers then uncovered jewellery from the burglaries. All three men were arrested and in interview denied the offences.
However, at a hearing at Newcastle Crown Court, Seitan, Petre and Nita, all of Bentinck Road, each pleaded guilty to seven counts of residential burglary.
On Friday, July 14, Nita, 46, and Petre, 31, were both sentenced to three years and nine months in prison, while Seitan, 23, was handed a three-year sentence.
Following the gang’s sentencing, Detective Constable Craig Austin, of Northumbria Police’s High Impact Team, said: “This is a great result and I am pleased that all three offenders have now received lengthy custodial sentences for their despicable offences in which many sentimental items and valuable were taken.
“Burglary is an invasive crime which can have a profound impact on victims, who not only suffer financial loss at the hands of greedy intruders like these three men, but it can also cause extra stress and anxiety to know simply that someone was in your home and rooting through your possessions.
“We will always pursue those carrying out burglary offences and do all we can to bring them to justice.
“I would like to pay tribute to our dedicated officers who have done a fantastic job investigating these crimes and bringing the offenders responsible to justice. Their tireless work has been vital and we hope it goes some way to giving the victims a degree of closure.”
Det Con Austin added: “Our message to the general public is to please continue to report any suspicious behaviour and criminal activity to us, and we assure you, we will act on it.
“As ever, our advice is to take that extra second to ensure your doors, windows and locks are secure and keep any valuable items out of view.”
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Anybody who sees something suspicious in their area is asked to report it by using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101. In an emergency, or if a crime is taking place, always ring 999.
Notes to editors Please see attached custody images of Razvan Seitan, Norica Nita and Catalin Petre.
Images are supplied with the following condition: ‘Northumbria Police Copyright – No Reproduction Without Permission’.
