Three jailed for tunnelling into Tooting jewellery shop
Gang members sentenced at Kingston Crown Court after foiled heist on Mitcham Road.
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Three men have been sentenced to a combined total of over ten years for their involvement in a foiled jewellery shop burglary in Tooting. Laurentiu-Daniel Nitisoara, Ioan Asafeti, and Sergiu Plastin were all convicted of conspiracy to commit burglary with intent to steal and cause criminal damage.
The incident occurred at 3.12 am on 17 July 2026, when the men attempted to tunnel into a jewellery store located on Mitcham Road. Police were alerted and arrived at the scene within minutes. Officers arrested Nitisoara in a nearby alleyway, while Asafeti was apprehended on a rooftop. A search of a massage parlour, which the pair had broken into, revealed their plan to breach the wall into the adjacent jewellery shop. Tools and equipment used for digging were discovered by officers.
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Gang linked to wider criminal activity
Following the initial arrests, detectives identified a vehicle associated with the group. Mobile phone data was then used to locate Plastin, who was arrested at Stansted Airport as he attempted to leave the country for Ireland. The Metropolitan Police stated that the trio were linked to a series of jewellery shop break-ins across London between May and July 2026. These burglaries, which primarily targeted jewellers, involved the use of tunnelling techniques to bypass security systems during overnight operations. The total value of items stolen in these linked break-ins was reported to be more than £700,000.
Detective Chief Inspector Craig Magee of the Met’s Flying Squad commented on the sentencing. "Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: if you target London businesses, we’ll catch you, and you will face justice," he said. He also noted that the arrests formed part of a broader investigation that uncovered an organised crime group. The Flying Squad's efforts have contributed to a fall in commercial burglary offences, which decreased by 11 per cent in the 12 months leading up to September 2026, compared to the previous year.
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Sentencing details and police response
On 23 October 2026, at Kingston Crown Court, Asafeti was sentenced to four years and ten months imprisonment. Plastin received a sentence of three years and four months, while Nitisoara was jailed for two years. All three had pleaded guilty to the charges in August. The Metropolitan Police confirmed their commitment to combating burglary across the capital and enhancing public safety. The force has increased visible patrols in areas identified as 'hot spots' to deter and apprehend criminals.
Further inquiries conducted through Interpol suggested potential connections between the group and similar offences committed in Europe.
Questions this report answers
+What happened at the jewellery shop on Mitcham Road?
On 17 July 2026, three men attempted to tunnel into a jewellery shop on Mitcham Road in Tooting. They were caught by police during the attempted burglary. The men were later sentenced for conspiracy to commit burglary.
+Who was sentenced and for how long?
Laurentiu-Daniel Nitisoara was sentenced to two years imprisonment. Ioan Asafeti received four years and ten months, and Sergiu Plastin was sentenced to three years and four months. All three were convicted of conspiracy to commit burglary.
+What is the police response to commercial burglaries?
The Metropolitan Police stated that commercial burglary offences have fallen by 11 per cent in the past 12 months. They have increased visible patrols in 'hot spots' across London to help catch criminals and are committed to tackling burglary.
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