An organised group who targeted new-build housing developments across England have been jailed after a major investigation uncovered thefts from hundreds of properties and more than £1 million of damage.
Widespread thefts from show homes and vacant properties
Hertfordshire Constabulary led an inquiry which found the gang had struck at 449 properties in 10 counties between January and October 2025. Developments at Haverhill, Thurston and Needham Market were among those targeted, the force said.
Investigators said the offenders removed boilers and other appliances from new houses and flats, leaving behind significant damage in some cases. The thefts required work to replace equipment and to repair services that had been rendered unsafe, with costs totalling in excess of £1 million.
Sentences handed down
Four men have received custodial sentences for their roles in the offending:
- Ilie Turcan, 26 (Rounding Mews, Northampton) — sentenced to 4 years and 10 months
- Tudor Ionas, 25 (Harrington Close, Northampton) — sentenced to 4 years and 9 months
- Victor Borta, 19 (Pitstone Road, Northampton) — sentenced to 4 years and 9 months
- Dinis Cibotari, 24 (Avondale Road, Canning Town, London) — sentenced to 4 years and 2 months
| Offence period | January–October 2025 |
|---|---|
| Properties targeted | 449 |
| Geographic scope | 10 counties |
| Estimated cost | More than £1 million |
Police operation and impact
The investigation, named Operation Linkage, involved liaison between developers and several police forces. Officers described scenes where boilers and white goods were removed and essential services were left damaged; in some instances live gas and water pipes were cut, creating a clear safety hazard for properties and would‑be occupiers.
"This was a complex investigation involving liaison between developers and other police forces from across the country. Their actions affected developers and buyers who were eagerly waiting to move in to their new homes," said Officer Tilly Andrews of Operation Linkage.
She added that the sentences mean those responsible have been held accountable:
"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."
The case underlines growing concerns in the construction sector about theft and vandalism at recently completed or still‑vacant properties. Developers and purchasers face delays and extra expense when essential heating and plumbing equipment must be replaced or when damaged services require remedial work before homes can be safely occupied.
Hertfordshire Constabulary said the inquiry required co‑ordination with other forces and with private firms to track the scale of offending and secure evidence leading to prosecution. No further details about how the gang operated or whether other suspects remain under investigation were released.
Crime of this nature poses not only financial cost but public safety risks. Cutting live gas and water services can create explosive, flooding and contamination hazards that need immediate remedial attention, increasing the burden on emergency services and contractors.
The sentences bring a notable conclusion to a cross‑county investigation and will be seen as a warning to criminal networks that exploit new developments. The industry and police continue to work together to protect sites and to prevent similar offending in future.
