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The teenager stole cosmetic products from Boots branches in Westminster, Lambeth, Camden and Kensington and Chelsea
A 17‑year‑old boy has admitted shoplifting almost £140,000 worth of goods from Boots and Holland & Barrett stores across London.
Highbury Corner Youth Court heard the teenager, who cannot be named because of his age, repeatedly targeted branches of the chains over the past two years.
He pleaded guilty to 19 theft offences in total - 15 relating to Boots and four to Holland & Barrett. He had originally faced 56 charges linked to Boots alone, meaning 45 further offences will be taken into consideration when he is sentenced.
Prosecution barrister Edward Kalber urged magistrates to send the case to crown court "to give maximum latitude for the sentencing decision".
The teenager stole cosmetic products from Boots branches in Westminster, Lambeth, Camden and Kensington and Chelsea, as well as items from Holland & Barrett stores in Hammersmith and Fulham and in Camden.
The court heard the boy had been "shocked" after his grandfather warned him he could end up in prison if he did not change his behaviour.
Asked by magistrates why he had offended so prolifically, he said: "Sometimes I just get distracted and led by other people, and stuff like that.
"I do not want to be like that anymore. I just want to be with my granddad."
In total, he stole £137,342 worth of products from Boots between April 2024 and December 2025, along with a haul valued at more than £2,415 from Holland & Barrett between October 2025 and January this year, the court heard.
His mother told the bench "he is easily influenced" and that the family "did not know anything about this".
"My dad is showing him and hoping he will make a change," she said.
Prosecutor Edward Kalber said the case involved "unique circumstances and unique events", adding: "If he was an adult, I would say that this should go straight to the crown court.
"The amount of money taken is significant and he is targeting businesses. The impact on the businesses is high."
Sentencing was adjourned to 7 May. The boy was released on bail on the condition he does not enter any Boots or Holland & Barrett store in England or Wales unless accompanied by a family member.
Chair of the bench Jennifer Shewry told him: "We do not get cases like this very often," adding that further information may be required before sentencing.
She also warned: "You need to stay out of trouble. This would only get worse. If you were to breach those conditions, you will end up in court."
