Two Romanian citizens, both 49 years old, were sentenced in Nykøbing Falster on Friday to one year and two months in prison each for stealing large quantities of coffee from stores across Denmark. They also face a 12-year entry ban to Denmark.

The men, described by police as traveling criminals, pleaded guilty to a total of 17 shoplifting incidents, primarily involving the theft of large quantities of Lavazza coffee. The arrests happened on Thursday in Taastrup.

The thefts occurred in stores located in Kolding, Odense, Hvidovre, and other locations in eastern Denmark. In some instances, around 20 bags of coffee were stolen, while in others, the number reached 60 bags.

According to Police Commissioner Christian Nøhr Nielsen, the value of the stolen goods totals just under 200,000 kroner.

The case was investigated by the Eastern Foreigners’ Control Department (Uka Øst), a special unit dedicated to combating crime committed by traveling individuals. Uka Øst employs investigators and analysts to address this specific type of criminal activity.

Earlier this year, Uka Øst has uncovered other instances of targeted and persistent crime among traveling persons. These cases have included the theft of 876 side mirrors, extensive theft and misuse of debit cards, and the theft of expensive tools. A corresponding department exists in the South and Southern Jutland Police.