Four men held on theft charges

Four Romanian nationals have appeared in court accused of staging coordinated shoplifting sprees at supermarkets in Perth.

The quartet – each of whom had been in Scotland for just seven days – are alleged to have stolen hundreds of pounds worth of alcohol.

The Crown alleges they travelled from Glasgow to the city to target two branches of Tesco on February 8.

Eugen Moise, 47, GabrielIonut Mihai, 20, Bogdan Bucur, 26, and Silviu Emil Mircea, 31, all of Glasgow, deny the allegations.

They were remanded in custody after a sheriff rejected their appeals for bail, saying the step was needed to protect the public.

Depute fiscal Carol Whtye had called for the men to be held ahead of further court appearances later this year, saying: “This appears to have been an organised gang that has targeted high-value alcohol.

“They have visited different branches of Tesco in Perth and stolen alcohol worth £1,600 in one day.”

All four accused deny stealing alcohol worth £988.50 from Tesco’s Edinburgh Road store on February 8.

They also deny stealing alcohol worth £624 from the Crieff Road supermarket on the same day.

Sheriff Derek Reekie warned the accused they would likely face custody if convicted of the charges.

The men will return to court for trial on March 14.