Man who stole £2,000 worth of Boots items jailed and banned from City of London

A prolific shoplifter who made off with almost £2,000 worth of items from Boots has been jailed and banned from entering the City of London.

Victor Leahu was sentenced to ten weeks in prison for five counts of theft and handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) barring him from the borough for five years.

Leahu, of no fixed address, targeted a branch of Boots on Cheapside November 2024 and January 2025, stealing goods worth £1,835 in total.

CCTV footage captured Leahu entering the store on five occasions, heading straight to specific aisles, and grabbing items off the shelves.

He would usually aim for higher priced skincare products and razors.

The 32-year-old would then make a quick exit out of the store.

Officers from the Proactive Acquisitive Crime Team were out in the City when they recognised Leahu from his distinctive hand tattoo and made the arrest.

He was sentenced at Westminster Magistrates this week.

Sergeant James Wood, of the Proactive Acquisitive Crime team, City of London Police, said: ‘Prosecuting shoplifters is important to the City of London Police. Retail crime is not a victimless crime.

‘Leahu targeted this store, stealing expensive items in a brazen fashion, often causing distress to customers and shop workers.

‘We fully support retailers to come forward and report any crime and through the store’s CCTV, and our extensive camera network in the City, we will bring criminals to justice.’

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