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, originally from Romania, systematically stole high-value makeup and beauty products, amassing a haul estimated at £100,000 over a nine-month period. CCTV footage released 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.

Operation Across Multiple Locations

The pair operated across multiple London boroughs including Ealing, Wandsworth, Camden, and Kensington. Their activities extended as far as Pontypridd in Wales. The thefts involved careful planning and distraction techniques, with accomplices diverting security guards while Stan and her partner loaded up on goods.

Court Hearing and Sentencing

The case was heard at Southwark Crown Court, where it was revealed Stan has a history as a ‘persistent offender’. During a single raid in Richmond last October, she stole beauty products worth £5,000. The prosecution, led by Babatunde Alabi, emphasized the coordinated nature of the thefts.

Defense Arguments

The defense, represented by Dhanes Charme, presented Stan as acting under the direction of others and highlighted her limited literacy skills – she is unable to read or write. Stan became visibly distressed when her barrister informed the court that her husband had not visited her since her arrest and is believed to have abandoned her.

Financial Impact and Ban

Stan pleaded guilty to 14 charges of theft, with an additional 36 offences taken into consideration. Boots provided a business impact statement detailing losses of £143,220 between May 2nd and December 7th, 2025. Judge Stephen Tomlinson based the sentence on the £100,000 figure.

In addition to the two-year custodial sentence, Stan has been banned from entering any Boots store across the UK until April 28th, 2031.

Police Response

The Metropolitan Police, through Chief Inspector Rav Pathania, emphasized their commitment to tackling retail crime. They reported a significant increase in solved cases and arrests, and a nearly four percent decrease in shoplifting across London, equating to 3,200 fewer victims.