A serial shoplifter, Gabriella Stan, 25, has been sentenced to two years in prison for a sustained campaign of theft targeting Boots stores across London and Wales.

Nine-Month Theft Spree

Stan systematically stole high-value makeup and beauty products, amassing a haul estimated at £100,000 over a nine-month period. The thefts occurred between May 2nd and December 7th, 2025.

Details of the Crimes

Shocking CCTV footage shows Stan, often accompanied by an unidentified female accomplice, casually filling a bag with Maybelline and other cosmetics while appearing to scan for security personnel. The pair operated across multiple London boroughs including Ealing, Wandsworth, Camden, and Kensington.

Their activities extended as far as Pontypridd in Wales. A single raid at a Boots store in Richmond last October resulted in approximately £5,000 worth of goods being stolen.

Prosecution and Defense Arguments

The prosecution, led by Babatunde Alabi, detailed how Stan and her accomplices frequently employed distraction techniques to divert security guards while they loaded bags with stolen merchandise. The defense, represented by Dhanes Charme, argued that Stan was acting under the direction of others.

“She is unable to read or write,” Charme stated, highlighting Stan’s limited literacy skills. A poignant moment occurred during sentencing when Stan wept upon learning her husband had not visited her since her arrest and is believed to have abandoned her.

Sentencing and Aftermath

Stan pleaded guilty to 14 charges of theft, with an additional 36 offences taken into consideration by the judge. Boots reported a loss of £143,220 due to Stan’s activities.

Judge Stephen Tomlinson, presiding over the case at Southwark Crown Court, emphasized the premeditated nature of Stan’s crimes and sentenced her based on the £100,000 figure. Stan, aided by a Romanian interpreter, will serve half of her two-year sentence before being eligible for release on license.

She has also been banned from entering any Boots store in the UK until April 28th, 2031.

Police Response

Chief Inspector Rav Pathania of the Metropolitan Police highlighted their commitment to tackling retail crime. He reported a significant increase in solved cases and arrests in the past year.

This has contributed to a nearly four percent decrease in shoplifting incidents across London – equating to 3,200 fewer victims. The case underscores the challenges faced by retailers in combating organized shoplifting.