London Gatwick Airport, two individuals have been convicted and sentenced for separate burglary offenses, highlighting the ongoing efforts to combat theft and ensure security at one of the UK’s major transportation hubs.
Lloyd Edwards, a 37-year-old previously residing on Haywood Street, Southwark, faced justice for his crime committed within the North Terminal’s confines. Edwards pleaded guilty to burglarizing a commercial premises, where he illicitly acquired a wallet filled with cash and cards, collectively valued at approximately £100. The incident, which took place at 8 pm on February 10 of the previous year, saw Edwards exploiting a staff-only area to carry out his theft. His criminal activities extended beyond the airport’s perimeter, as he subsequently used the stolen cards for purchases at a local convenience store. On January 19, at Lewes Crown Court, Edwards admitted to his actions and received an eight-month prison sentence.
In a distinct yet similarly troubling case, Savin Costel-Alexandru, 29, with no known permanent residence, engaged in criminal conduct at the airport’s South Terminal. On December 17, just past 11:15 pm, Costel-Alexandru executed a break-in, initially attempting to access a cash register forcibly. Failing to open the register, he opted to steal cigarettes before vacating the premises. The magnitude of his offense led to a court appearance on January 30 at Crawley Magistrates’ Court, where he confessed to the burglary of a commercial establishment. His sentence concluded with a six-month term in prison.
Following the investigations, Detective Sergeant Ian Warncken from Gatwick CID said: “We worked in partnership with retailers and with London Gatwick Airport to ensure that the suspects were identified and arrested.
“We are determined to prevent thefts from businesses which cause concern to communities and can be very stressful for the public and staff working in them.
“These cases demonstrate that we will pursue prosecutions against offenders.”
