Man convicted of shoplifting £25,000 worth of beauty products from Boots

A 47-year-old man who stole £25,000 worth of cosmetics and perfumes from Boots stores in three cities has been jailed for two years.

Ionel Elvis Dulea, of Stephenson Street, Gateshead, stole the items from shops in Andover, Aldershot and Fareham in Hampshire between March and August this year.

He pleaded guilty to eight charges of theft and one count of attempted theft at Winchester Crown Court, where he was sentenced.

This conviction should send a clear message to others who consider stealing from the businesses in our region

Dulea stole skincare products worth £3,915 from the Aldershot store, £7,626 worth of products from the Andover store and products worth £13,473 from the Fareham store.

Acting Sergeant Devon Smith, of the Test Valley Priority Crime Team, said: “Dulea’s brazen shoplifting affected a number of shops, shop staff and community members across much of Hampshire.

“Our message is clear: shoplifting in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight will not be tolerated.

“This conviction should send a clear message to others who may consider stealing from the businesses in our region.

“It will not be tolerated and we will work hard to bring you to justice where you will face the consequences.”