City Link Distribution centre worker stole parcels

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A MAN has admitted his part in the theft of parcels worth £6,000 from a city distribution warehouse.

Vladislavas Kuznecovas (21) was one of a group of people who stole parcels from the City Link distribution warehouse at Darlows Business Park, in Fengate, between July and October 2010.

He was caught after bosses noticed that parcels were going missing and studied CCTV footage which showed packages being thrown over the firm’s perimeter fence and taken away.

Among the goods in the parcels which were stolen were Acer handheld computers, law books, sun cream and camera batteries.

Kuznecovas, of Parliament Street, Peterborough, appeared at Peterborough Magistrates’ Court yesterday for sentencing having pleaded guilty to theft by an employee.

Kuznecovas was ordered to pay £100 compensation and was given a 12-month community order including 200 hours of unpaid work.

He was also ordered to pay £85 costs.

Prosecutor Giles Beaumont said: “The defendant’s job was to sort parcels on a conveyer belt.

“Over a period of time bosses noticed that parcels were going missing and they started checking CCTV footage.

“This suggested that packages were being taken out of the warehouse, thrown over a perimeter fence and taken away.

“It is fair to say that there was more than one person involved in this and the total outlay was £6,000.

“But it is difficult to say precisely which items the defendant was involved in stealing.”

Kuznecovas was arrested on suspicion of theft in October 2010 and initially denied the crimes when interviewed by police.

Kay Eunice, defending Kuznecovas, said: “He is very remorseful and says this has ruined his life.

“It was a stupid mistake. He is a man of previous good character and this was a one-off incident.

“He lost his job as a result and has struggled financially ever since, only recently regaining employment.

“It is not clear whether the stolen goods were ever recovered.”

Russell Mannix, head of security at City Link, said: “We pride ourselves on delivering the highest levels of customer service.

“City Link operates a zero tolerance policy in relation to any form of theft within the company.

“Incidents such as these are subject to internal investigation and are reported to the police as a matter of routine.

“As a matter of routine City Link customers are covered by our contractual levels of liability as well as their own insurance for consignments above a certain value.

“Any customer who reports a missing consignment is reimbursed not only for the consignment itself, but also for the cost of delivery, in line with the terms and conditions of their contract.”