A Romanian mother of three has been jailed after carrying out a brazen shoplifting spree across multiple Boots stores in London, making off with over £1,000 worth of cosmetics and fragrances.
Maria Radu, 32, was described as a 'prolific offender' by prosecutors after she repeatedly targeted the high street chemist, stealing high-value items including perfumes and skincare products.
Systematic Theft Across London
The court heard how Radu operated systematically, hitting Boots branches in Westminster, Camden and Islington between March and July this year. Her thefts totalled £1,150 before she was finally caught by security staff.
Caught Red-Handed
Prosecutors revealed that Radu was apprehended at a Boots store in Oxford Street after staff became suspicious of her behaviour. Security footage showed her concealing items in her bag before attempting to leave without paying.
When searched, police found multiple stolen goods from previous thefts still in her possession, leading to charges for multiple offences.
Difficult Circumstances
Radu's defence lawyer told the court she had been struggling financially while trying to support her three children in London. However, the judge noted the 'calculated nature' of her crimes.
'This wasn't opportunistic theft to feed your family,' the judge remarked during sentencing. 'You specifically targeted high-value items that could be easily resold.'
Sentence and Consequences
Radu was sentenced to eight months in prison and will likely face deportation proceedings after serving her sentence. The judge warned that shoplifting was becoming 'endemic' in London and needed to be deterred.
Boots has reported increasing problems with organised retail crime in recent months, with thieves particularly targeting premium beauty products that can be quickly sold online or to local markets.
