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

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

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

This sentence should send a clear message to others who are thinking of stealing from businesses in our area

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

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

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

“This sentence should send a clear message to others who are thinking of stealing from businesses in our area.

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