2 shoplifters to be deported after serving time in B.C.

Police say a man and a woman involved in complex shoplifting cases in Metro Vancouver have been sentenced after pleading guilty.

In a release Tuesday, the Surrey RCMP says that 39-year-old Emil Marian Stan and 51-year-old Nicoleta Rusu from Ontario will be deported after serving time.

“Stan and Rusu have been held to account for their criminal actions, with the loss of their freedom and the opportunity to reside in Canada,” North Community Response Unit Commander Sgt. Nigel Pronger said.

“Their fate serves as a warning to those who wish to profit through crime.”

The release did not say to which country Stan and Rusu will be deported.

Pronger says the RCMP works closely with retail partners and police agencies across the province and nation to ensure safe retail spaces.

“We will continue our work in preventing retail theft as part of our crime reduction strategy,” he said.

Stan was convicted of 7 counts of theft under $5,000, 2 counts of theft over $5,000, and 1 count of possession of stolen property over $5,000.

Rusu was convicted of 2 counts of theft under $5,000, 2 counts of theft over $5,000, and 1 count of possession of stolen property over $5,000.

-With files from Maria Vinca.