Jail for men who ripped out boilers and heat pumps from 450 homes

Four men have been jailed for stealing boilers, heat pumps and white goods in a series of burglaries targeting new-build homes across the country.

Hertfordshire Constabulary led a national investigation into an organised crime group that was responsible for burglaries at new housing developments across 10 counties.

The group targeted new-build houses, forcing entry by smashing windows. The burglaries 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.

They were Ilie Turan, 26, from Northampton, who was sentenced to four years and 10 months in prison; Tudor Ionas, 25, from Northampton, who was sentenced to four years and nine months; Dinis Cibotari, 24, of Avondale Court, London, who was sentenced to four years and two months; and Victor Borta, 19, from Northampton, who was sentenced to three years and 11 months.

Detective Constable Tilly Andrews, investigating officer from Operation Linkage, the constabulary’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.”