A gang linked to over £700,000 in shop burglaries was caught trying to tunnel into a jewellery store in south London. Source: metro.co.uk.
What Happened
On July 17, just after 3am, members of an organised crime group broke into a massage parlour on Mitcham Road in Tooting.
Body-worn camera footage showed they were digging to create a hidden passage to a nearby jeweller’s shop.
They left tools and equipment behind, which police later found in the area.
Key Suspects and Arrests
Laurentiu-Daniel Nitisoara was arrested in a nearby alleyway.
Ioan Asafeti was found hiding on a rooftop and was handcuffed.
Sergiu Plastin tried to flee to Ireland from Stansted Airport.
Police tracked him using mobile phone data, leading to his arrest at Essex Airport.
Legal Charges and Sentences
The trio appeared at Kingston Crown Court after admitting in August to charges of conspiracy to commit burglary with intent to steal and cause criminal damage.
Ioan Asafeti, 39, was jailed for four years and ten months.
Sergiu Plastin, 42, received three years and four months in prison.
Laurentiu-Daniel Nitisoara, 38, was sentenced to two years.
Police Response and Results
DCI Craig Magee said: ‘Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: if you target London businesses, we’ll catch you, and you will face justice.’
Police say their crackdown on commercial burglary is delivering results.
Commercial burglaries fell by 11 per cent in the past 12 months, according to Met Police figures.
That drop was measured through September, compared to the previous year.
Broader Context
Tunnelling attacks on commercial properties are rare but show a growing trend in burglary tactics.
These operations require planning, tools, and coordination—signs of organised crime involvement.
The Tooting incident is one of several known cases in London, though full public records remain limited.
Why This Case Matters
It shows how criminal networks are using more advanced methods to target high-value businesses.
Technology like body-worn cameras and mobile phone tracking plays a key role in catching and stopping such crimes.
Open Questions
There is no official confirmation of direct links between the gang and European criminal activities.
It’s unclear how many tunnelling attempts have occurred in London.
More data and ongoing investigations are needed to understand the full scope of the threat.
For more on crime and safety in London, see our crime news coverage.
For updates on London’s evolving safety landscape, visit our London news hub.
Sources & further reading
Featured image: original publisher image. Via original publisher. Image source
