A couple described as a 'modern-day Bonnie and Clyde' have been jailed after a seven-month burglary spree in which they stole property worth more than £400,000. The items, including jewellery and unusual finds like a dressing gown and a tin of mackerel, have been returned to victims.
Ovidiu-Constantin Plamada, 31, and Mariana Sandra, 43, both from Ilford, were each sentenced to six years in prison at Basildon Crown Court. They pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit burglary, with an indictment covering 179 residential burglaries across London, Essex and Kent between May and November 2014.
The pair were arrested on 4 November last year as they drove across the Dartford Bridge. Police found stolen items from two recent burglaries in their car. A subsequent search of their home uncovered large quantities of stolen property, linking them to further offences.
Judge Samantha Leigh described their offending as 'highly organised' and said it had a 'devastating effect' on victims, violating their homes. Detective Sergeant Brett Hagen of the Metropolitan Police confirmed that many victims have been reunited with their belongings.
