A GANG of Romanian shoplifters came to Blackburn because it was perceived as an ‘easy target’ a court was told.

But two members of the gang found they were not going home with their friends after being caught in the act and sent to jail when they appeared before Blackburn magistrates.

George Nitu, 22, and Alexandru Dragos Apostolescu, 24, who both gave an address in Nottingham, pleaded guilty to theft of clothing worth £519 from TK Max. Nitu, who had previous convictions, was jailed for eight weeks and Apostolescu for seven weeks.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, said the address given by the men had been checked by the police and found to be incorrect.

“All we know is that they come from Romania,” said Miss Allan. “The prosecution say this is organised crime.

“They work as part of a gang and target high value goods. These men came to Blackburn because it is perceived as an easy target for shoplifters.”

Miss Allan said there were several men involved in the build up to the theft but some of them were not apprehended.

Members of the gang were seen removing items from hangers and putting them in a large bag which Apostolescu eventually carried out of the store.

She said it was not known when either of the men came into the country but said Nitu could be described as a travelling shoplifter.

“In recent months he has been convicted of shoplifting in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Cheshire and now in Blackburn,” said Miss Allan.

“This is clearly pre-planned organised shoplifting involving a gang.”

Imran Hussain, defending, said he could see no basis for the claim that Blackburn was perceived as an easy target.

“I see nothing in the prosecution papers that supports that statement and it is certainly not their perception,” said Mr Hussain.

“They say the items were to be given as presents to family members.”

He said Nitu had been in the UK for seven months and Apostolescu for three and a half years.