Men who burgled Whittlesey homes in £1 million new build crime spree jailed
Four men who carried out a string of burglaries across the country – including in Whittlesey, March and other Cambridgeshire towns – have been jailed.
The group targeted new-build houses in a total of 10 counties, forcing entry by smashing windows, before stealing boilers, white goods and heat pumps.
The burglaries, which happened between January and October 2025, caused extensive damage to the properties, with live gas and water pipes often left severed.
In some cases, the homes had already been sold and buyers were waiting to move in.
In total, 449 properties were targeted, with losses exceeding £1 million.
As part of the investigation, officers identified four suspects who were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit burglary. All four pleaded guilty and were sentenced at St Albans Crown Court
Who was jailed?
Ilie Turcan, aged 26, of Rounding Mews, Northampton, who was sentenced to four years and 10 months in prison.
Tudor Ionas, aged 25, of Harrington Close, Northampton, who was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison.
Dinis Cibotari, aged 24, of Avondale Court, London, who was sentenced to four years and two months in prison.
Victor Borta, aged 19, of Pitstone Road, Northampton, who was sentenced to three years and 11 months in prison.
When and where were the Cambridgeshire crimes committed?
March 25/01/2025 – 27/01/2025
Littleport 06/02/2025 – 07/02/2025
Alconbury Weald 05/03/2025 - 06/03/2025
St Neots 06/03/2025 – 07/03/2025
Whittlesey 01/04/2025 – 02/04/2025
March 02/04/2025 – 03/04/2025
Soham 11/04/2025 – 12/04/2025
Sawtry 17/04/2025 – 22/04/2025
Whittlesey 29/04/2025 – 30/04/2025
Cambridge 03/05/2025 – 06/05/2025
Gang created ‘created serious safety risks’
Detective Constable Tilly Andrews, investigating officer from Operation Linkage, the Hertfordshire Police’s response to home burglaries, said: “This group carried out a large-scale series of burglaries which caused more than £1 million worth of losses and left hundreds of properties damaged.
“Their actions affected developers and buyers who were eagerly waiting to move into their new homes. In many cases, they also created serious safety risks by leaving gas and water pipes exposed.
“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.”