A Leicester man has been sentenced to 12 months in prison after attempting to steal high-value copper wires from a vacant building in Andover during a burglary in August 2024.
Nelu Teodore Dobre, aged 47, from Bruce Street in Leicester, appeared at Winchester Crown Court on Wednesday, 17 December, where he was convicted of burglary and received his custodial sentence.
The court was told that on 7 August 2024, police received reports of electric saws and banging noises coming from inside Testway House on Greenwich Way. Officers attended the unoccupied building and discovered Dobre removing copper wiring from the premises.
Significant damage had been inflicted on the property during the attempted theft. Dobre was arrested at the scene and later charged with burglary.
Police Constable Tim Bunt, who led the investigation, stated: “We treat burglary reports with the utmost seriousness and understand the significant impact such crimes have on individuals and businesses alike.
“Dobre travelled into our area with the intention of committing crime. I am pleased we have successfully brought him before the courts, and he will now serve time behind bars.
“This outcome demonstrates our commitment to securing justice against those who seek to cause harm within our local communities.
“This sentence serves as a clear warning to potential offenders. We will locate you, bring you before the courts, and you will face the full consequences of your criminal actions.”
