Boots Manningtree make-up thief Lee Warren is jailed

Lee Warren has now been jailed after stealing in excess of £7,000 in goods across two audacious raids where he stuffed make-up items into carrier bags.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard how Warren, 36, targeted the Boots store in Station Road, Manningtree, and was recognised by staff as a “well-known shoplifter”.

Warren, of Queen Elizabeth Way, Colchester, denied two counts of theft but was convicted by Colchester Magistrates’ Court in February.

During his sentencing on Wednesday, the 36-year-old was handed an 18 month prison sentence.

Jailed - Lee Warren

Prosecutor John Waller told the court during a stock take by Boots staff, they realised £5,277.57 worth of cosmetic goods had been taken by Warren on October 6, 2020 at 4.40pm.

The next incident on February 18, 2021, saw Warren steal make-up to the value of about £2,000, and when confronted by staff he told them: “You won’t do anything about it”.

Mr Waller explained on both occasions Warren, who has 58 previous convictions for 157 offences, had filled carrier bags with the goods, making no attempt to hide his audacious raid.

Judge Mary Loram QC lambasted the defendant for taking advantage of chances given to him by the court.

Raid - the Boots store in Station Road, Manningtree

She said: “You knew there would be a large amount of small items which you could put in a small bag and sell on for money, no doubt.

“You are a thief, you steal from other people and have stolen from people’s homes.

“You have received chance after chance but you do not take those chances. Your behaviour does involve, in any analysis, a determination to steal.

“The time has come where the court can only pass more significant terms of imprisonment.”

Brad Lawlor, mitigating, admitted the thefts were “brazen” in nature, adding: “He knows what sells”.

Mr Lawlor said: “While he did target the make-up section, I wouldn’t say that necessarily quantifies it as a sophisticated or significant theft”.