Three Romanians caught tunneling into London jewelry store

A sophisticated tunnel-digging operation aimed at a London jewelry store was thwarted when police apprehended three Romanian nationals. The suspects were caught in the act on July 17 in Tooting, south London, after police responded to a suspected burglary at a jewelry shop on Mitcham Road.

Officers arrived to find Laurentiu-Daniel Nițisoara apprehended in a nearby alleyway, while Ioan Asafeti was found attempting to hide on a building's rooftop. A subsequent investigation of a massage parlor revealed a hole in the wall connecting to the jewelry store, along with tools and equipment. Investigators determined the suspects intended to use the tunnel to access the store and avoid triggering its security alarms.

The third suspect, Sergiu Plastin, was arrested later the same day at Stansted Airport as he attempted to travel to Ireland. Police tracked him down after identifying a vehicle associated with the group and tracing his mobile phone signal.

Further investigation by the Metropolitan Police's Flying Squad suggests the trio may be involved in multiple burglaries across London between May and July. Jewelry stores were reportedly the primary targets, with a similar method of digging tunnels from adjacent properties employed. Surveillance footage reportedly shows the men purchasing the tools used in the heists. Interpol checks have also indicated potential links to similar crimes in other European countries. The three are scheduled for sentencing at Kingston Crown Court on October 23.

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These criminals dug their own grave after emergency response officers caught them red-handed