Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, Konrad Labinksi, aged 41, of Padstowe Avenue, Milton Keynes, was sentenced to two years in prison at Aylesbury Crown Court on Thursday (2/10) after pleading guilty to theft by employee.
The offences were committed at a car parts distribution centre in Milton Keynes, where Labinski had been employed for over 20 years. Concerns were first raised on 4 March this year after the company noticed a large amount of stock going missing.
The company identified an eBay account that they believed was being used to sell the stolen goods. Enquiries with eBay confirmed the account belonged to Labinski, who was arrested at his workplace on 7 March while attempting to steal more goods.
A search of his home address resulted in the seizure and recovery of more than 1,000 car parts, with an estimated value in the region of £1,000,000. It is believed the parts were stolen over a two-year period, and all recovered goods were returned to the company.
Detective Constable, PC Vince Higgins of Milton Keynes CID, said: “This was a very fast moving investigation where we were able to secure key evidence to identify the suspect. Labinski was arrested in a way to secure further evidence and we then found a trove of stolen property at his home address. This has been the best outcome and we were able to quickly return the stolen items back to the rightful owner.”
PC Higgins added: “He had been working for the company for over 20 years and he abused the trust that was given to him to steal from them. I hope this sends out the message to him and others that the consequences of this type of offence can be huge and have life-changing consequences.”
Source: TVP