Hull, UK – Andrei-Theodor Cretu, 27, from London, has been sentenced to an additional 12 months in prison after his involvement in a nationwide shoplifting spree. Cretu targeted multiple stores across the UK, stealing over £78,000 worth of goods, including from locations in Southend.
Cretu, who had previously admitted to 15 counts of attempted shop theft, was sentenced at Hull Crown Court on Tuesday, May 6. His criminal activities date back to August of last year, when officers stopped a vehicle linked to a theft in Market Weighton, discovering suspected stolen items valued at around £1,333. Cretu was arrested, and further investigations led to the discovery of stolen goods from Beverley and Southend, valued at over £2,600.
Cretu was charged and pleaded guilty to all three offenses, resulting in a 16-month prison sentence handed down in January. However, while serving his time, additional investigations revealed Cretu’s involvement in a larger nationwide organized crime operation. Surveillance footage identified him repeatedly targeting the same franchise over a 16-month period, stealing items such as beauty products, toothbrushes, nappies, razor blades, and printer ink.
In October, Cretu was arrested in prison on suspicion of 17 additional counts of shop theft. Alongside him, Elena Gugulan, 30, from Coventry, was sentenced to three years and four months in prison for her role in the operation.
Police Constable Elijah Hartley, who led the investigation, emphasized the importance of collaboration between police forces across the UK, with around 23 police areas affected by Cretu’s crimes. “Crimes of this nature will not be tolerated, and we will do everything we can to ensure our communities and businesses feel safe,” Hartley stated. “Criminals like Cretu will be held accountable for their actions.”
