A Romanian couple accused of stealing thousands of dollars worth of jewellery while they toured the country have pleaded guilty to a variety of theft and shoplifting charges against them.
Ioan Kvec, 48, and Paulina Kvec, 44, appeared in the Palmerston North District Court today each charged with five shoplifting offences, six theft offences and drug possession.
The drug charge was withdrawn.
The couple pleaded guilty to four shoplifting charges and five theft charges.
Police said the couple were seeking further information on the remaining shoplifting and theft charge and were due to enter their plea in respect of those on March 26.
A provisional date for sentencing was set down for May 15.
There were 34 pieces of jewellery still in police possession that had not been identified and were not subject to any charges, Central Districts communications manager, Kim Perks said.
Police have asked jewellery stores and antique traders to check their stock for any items missing.
The couple were arrested after they were stopped in Bulls, near Palmerston North, on February 22 for speeding.
An officer recognised them as suspects in heists which occurred in Napier, Hastings and Tauranga.
A cache of 40 pieces of jewellery was recovered following their arrest with a value then estimated to exceed $100,000.
Ms Perks said it was not yet clear what would happen to any unclaimed items and a decision was likely to be made once the case had been through the courts.
