A shoplifter who stole more than £3,000 worth of beauty products from the same shop over a three month period has been jailed.

Scott Matthews, of Pembury Close, Coulsdon, pleaded guilty to six counts of theft from Boots in High Street, Banstead, between April and July last year.

Matthews, 38, stole Olay and L’Oreal products worth £808 on April 16, £497 on May 18, £749 on June 29 and £730 on July 26.

On the last occasion, July 28, Matthews took £359 worth of razor blades and creams, which had not been replenished because he had taken such a huge quantity.

His theft spree amounted to a total of £3,666 and was sentenced to 36 weeks in prison at Guildford Crown Court on Friday, February 20.

PC Carmen Lambert-Singer said: "Shoplifting is a serious offence which leaves innocent business owners out of pocket because of the selfish actions of others.

"Scott Matthews took a prolific and brazen approach to his crimes, stealing from the same shop six times in three months.

"I hope this sentence will reassure the business community that we do take their concerns seriously and will take decisive action to put offenders before the courts.”