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A 17-year-old boy has admitted to stealing nearly £140,000 worth of products from Boots and Holland & Barrett shops throughout London. Over a period of two years, the youth repeatedly targeted several branches of the two retail chains, according to information presented at Highbury Corner Youth Court. Due to his age, the teenager’s identity remains confidential.
The court was informed that the boy pleaded guilty to a total of 19 theft offences—15 related to Boots stores and four linked to Holland & Barrett. Initially, he faced 56 charges associated with Boots alone, and the remaining 45 incidents will be considered during sentencing. Prosecutor Edward Kalber urged magistrates to transfer the case to crown court to allow for a broader range of sentencing options, citing the seriousness of the offences.
The stolen items primarily consisted of cosmetic products taken from Boots locations in Westminster, Lambeth, Camden, and Kensington and Chelsea. Holland & Barrett shops in Hammersmith and Fulham and in Camden were also targeted. The court heard that the teenager expressed regret after his grandfather warned him about the risk of imprisonment if his behaviour did not change. When questioned about the reason behind his repeated offences, the boy said he was “sometimes… distracted and led by other people” but expressed a desire to change, stating, “I do not want to be like that anymore. I just want to be with my granddad.”
In total, the stolen goods included £137,342 worth from Boots between April 2024 and December 2025, and over £2,415 worth from Holland & Barrett between October 2025 and January 2026. The teenager’s mother described him as “easily influenced” and said the family was unaware of his actions. She added that his grandfather was now trying to guide him toward positive change. Prosecutor Kalber described the case as involving “unique circumstances and unique events,” emphasizing the significant financial impact on the businesses. Sentencing has been postponed until 7 May, with the teenager released on bail under strict conditions that prohibit him from entering Boots or Holland & Barrett stores alone. Chair of the bench Jennifer Shewry cautioned him about the seriousness of the case, warning that violating bail terms could lead to further court proceedings
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