Six Men Jailed for Large Scale Organised Shoplifting Operation

Thursday, 23 June 2016 09:08

A group of shoplifters who took part in a large scale organised shoplifting operation across West Yorkshire and beyond have been sentenced to a total of more than 22 years in prison.

Officers from the Protective Services (Crime) launched an investigation in late 2015 into the shoplifting that took place in supermarkets in West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, North Yorkshire and the North East region.

They found that the crime was worth over £50,000 and involved 39 cases

In February this year officers arrested six men who had been residing in West Yorkshire and charged them with conspiracy to steal over a 14 month period.

They all plead guilty to the charges between May and June and were sentenced to the following:

Adrian Ion Ciufu, 30, of Compton View, Leeds pleaded guilty on 8 June. He was sentenced to 3 years 9 months

Marius Vasile Ciufu, 29, of Dib Lane, Leeds pleaded guilty on 8 June. He was sentenced to 3 years 9 months

Alexandru Ionut Matei, 26, of Dib Lane, Leeds pleaded guilty on 27 May. He was sentenced to 3 years 4 months

Andonel Tofan, 26, of St Hilda's Road, Leeds pleaded guilty on 14 June. He was sentenced to 4 years 1 month

Dorin Nicusor Tibere, 47 of Strathmore Avenue, Leeds, pleaded guilty on 14 June. He was sentenced to 4 years 1 month

Alexandru George Ciufu, 21, of Compton View, Leeds pleaded guilty on 27 May. He was sentenced to 3 years 4 months

DI Andy Leonard of the Protective Services (Crime) Division, said: "This was a complex investigation, involving a highly organised gang who caused widespread economic harm to supermarkets in the region.

"This was an excellent example of West Yorkshire Police collaborating with regional forces to effectively combat organised criminal activity across the north of the UK."

More from Local and National News

Leeds Man Jailed for 12 Years After Horrific Campaign of Domestic Abuse

A Leeds woman has bravely spoken out in court after suffering extreme physical and psychological abuse from Nathan Russell, who has now been jailed for 12 years.
MK’s Most Popular Library Expands with Flexible Spaces for All

Milton Keynes Central Library is undergoing major updates: more public computers, flexible book storage, a dedicated study area and larger children’s zone make it more adaptable and inclusive.
West Yorkshire Police Officer Charged with Sexual Assault

A 43-year-old West Yorkshire Police officer has been charged with three counts of sexual assault relating to incidents in York city centre.
Millions of Tenants Protected Under New Awaab’s Law Reforms

From 27 October, new housing safety rules known as Awaab’s Law come into force — compelling social landlords to fix emergency hazards within 24 hours and protect millions of tenants from dangerous conditions like black mould.
Bradford Expands ‘New York’ Style Housing First Approach to Tackle Homelessness

Bradford Council is expanding its successful Housing First programme — inspired by New York and proven in Finland — to offer ten more places, helping more people with complex needs move from homelessness into stable, supported housing.
Kensington Palace Marks 150th Birthday of Punjabi Princess and Suffragette Sophia Duleep Singh

A major new exhibition, The Last Princesses of Punjab, will open at Kensington Palace on 26 March 2026 to celebrate the 150th birthday of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh — the trailblazing Punjabi royal and suffragette — exploring the lives of the remarkable women who shaped her story.
SENDIVERSE Festival Unites Bradford Through Creativity and Inclusion

A celebration of creativity and belonging, The Leap’s SENDIVERSE Festival brought together over 1,700 people across Bradford for a series of inclusive arts and cultural events designed with and for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
Appeal After Man Seriously Injured in Burnley Collision

Police are appealing for information after a man in his 20s was seriously injured in a crash on Crown Point Road, Burnley.
Bradford Police Seize 93 Weapons as Knife Crime Falls

A weapons amnesty in Bradford led to 93 knives and weapons being taken off the streets, contributing to a major drop in youth knife crime.
Multibillion Economic Vision for Leeds to Create 100,000 Jobs

Leeds has unveiled a £20 billion economic plan aiming to create 100,000 new jobs and boost key sectors including finance, tech, and health.
Building at Bradford Royal Infirmary Renamed in Honour of Renowned Surgeon

Bradford Royal Infirmary has renamed the Listening for Life Centre after pioneering ear surgeon Professor Chris Raine MBE, who has restored hearing for hundreds across the North of England.
Airedale Nurse Shortlisted for National Neonatal Award

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust nurse Chloe Taylor has been named a finalist for Neonatal Nurse of the Year, recognising her work supporting families through trauma-informed care.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm
Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.
Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm