A MAN has appeared in court after attempting to steal £430.53 worth of products from Boots.

Leonardo-Adrian Costache, 21, tried to snatch skincare products, vitamins and toothpaste from the Boots store in Station Road, New Milton.

When officers arrived on the scene, he was found with the items hidden in the lining of his jacket.

Costache appeared in court this week to be sentenced for the attempted theft, which occurred just after 11.30am on Wednesday, November 29.

The defendant, of Parkgate Road in Coventry, has received a six-month conditional discharge and a £26 victim surcharge, which must be paid in full by Friday, December 29.

Speaking about the arrests, charges and convictions recently made for shoplifting offences, New Forest business crime lead, inspector Linda Davies, said: “These recent results emphasise our commitment to tackling shoplifting across the New Forest.

“We know the significant impact this crime has on businesses and the wider community.

“Our response will create a hostile environment for those seeking to offend and we are committed to relentlessly pursuing those who continue to do so.

“Please continue to report incidents to us via 101, or online via our website – our officers will be following up and will work with businesses to streamline how information, important to our enquiries, is provided.

“You can report anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."