Southampton, UK – A 38-year-old man has been charged in connection with a string of shoplifting and burglary offences targeting Boots stores across England and Wales, with thefts totaling approximately £25,000.
Brendan Brain, previously of Milton Road, Southampton, has been charged with 12 counts of shoplifting and two burglaries committed between March 2024 and April 2025. He is currently in custody and is due to appear before Staines Magistrates’ Court on 29 September.
The offences span several regions, including Sussex, Devon & Cornwall, and South Wales. Sussex Police reported that 11 of the incidents occurred in the county, primarily in its western areas.
The investigation was the result of coordinated efforts between Boots, Sussex Police’s Business Crime Team, and police forces across multiple jurisdictions. PC Chris Bishop from Worthing liaised with colleagues nationwide to identify a pattern of thefts at Boots outlets.
Brain was arrested on 5 June by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary based on the compiled evidence.
Sussex Police emphasized their ongoing efforts to tackle retail crime through strategic partnerships. PC Bishop said:
“This case is a good example of our targeted, partnership-led approach to address retail crime by focusing on priority offenders. We strive to work collaboratively with Boots and other businesses to reduce their losses and bring high harm offenders to justice.”
The investigation continues as part of broader initiatives to reduce retail theft and support affected businesses.