Brazen Shoplifter jailed and given five-year ban

A prolific shoplifter targeting the City of London has been banned from entering the Square Mile for five years.

Victor Leahu, 32, of no fixed address, targeted Boots on Cheapside between November 2024 and January 2025, stealing around £1,835 worth of items.

He was sentenced at Westminster Magistrates’ Court to 10 weeks in prison for five counts of theft and handed a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) banning him from the City from five years.

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.

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.”

CCTV footage captured Leahu entering the store and heading straight to specific aisles and snatching items off the shelves.

He would then make a quick exit out of the store. The main items he would take in bulk were higher priced skincare items and razors.

So far, the City of London Police’s Suspect and Offender Management Team have obtained nine CBOs since January 2025, totalling to 37 years.

Superintendent Patrick Holdaway, of the National Business Crime Centre, said:

“The City of London Police was listed as one of the top forces in the country for tackling shoplifting by the British Retail Crime Consortium.

“This is a great reflection of the work carried out by officers, as recognised amongst all the retailers which make up the BRC especially as a number of retailers aren’t in the City. The force has been at the forefront of securing Criminal Behaviour Orders, meaning prosecuted shoplifters are banned from entering the City.

“The Retail Crime Action Plan and the work of the National Business Crime Centre and others to help implement the plan is starting to make a difference.  This has meant increased reporting and retailers providing digital evidence to police to aid investigations and bring offenders to justice.”

Leahu was convicted of theft from Boots on Cheapside:

• On 22 November 2024, he stole around £532 worth of goods;
• On 17 December 2024, he stole around £393 worth of goods;
• On 19 December 2024, he stole around £132 worth of goods;
• On 7 January 2025, he stole around £133 worth of goods; and
• On 21 January 2025, he stole around £635 worth of goods.