Three shoplifters have been sentenced after being caught on camera carrying out a 'supermarket sweep' at an Asda store in Arnold, stealing hundreds of pounds worth of goods. Daianna Ionita, Gianni Ionita, and Matei Bernandi filled large plastic bins with chocolate bars and also stole household goods and medical items from the supermarket in Front Street on May 31.
CCTV footage showed the trio entering the store and placing a large plastic bin in a trolley. They then dashed around the aisles, emptying shelves of confectionery. Once the first bin was full, they picked up a second bin and continued loading it with chocolate. The theft was observed by Asda's security team, who used the Shop Watch radio to alert Nottinghamshire Police.
Arrest at the scene
An officer who was already at the supermarket responded immediately and arrested the three suspects. A subsequent search of their Ford Galaxy revealed dozens of stolen food products and clothes on the back seat. Further investigation uncovered near identical thefts at B&M Bargains in Madford Retail Park and Sainsbury's in Arnold.
Daianna Ionita, 20, Gianni Ionita, 18, and Bernandi, 32, all of Chadwick Road, Nottingham, each pleaded guilty to three counts of theft from a shop when they appeared at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on June 19. They were each given a community order consisting of 100 hours' unpaid work and ordered to pay £266 in compensation.
Police response
Following the sentencing, Sergeant Alison Riley said: 'Neighbourhood officers have made significant progress in tackling shop theft using methods we know are effective. Reducing shoplifting is about using all the tools and technology we have at our disposal, including hotspot patrol plans – meaning officers are in the right place at the right time. Shop Watch radios are crucial in helping us to arrest and charge persistent offenders.'
She added: 'This also includes Operation Retail, which allows us to secure criminal charges against shop thieves more quickly when there is clear and overwhelming evidence capturing the offence. We are pleased with the progress that has been made but are in no way complacent and will continue to work with businesses to tackle the issues important to them and support local retailers.'
