A prolific thief who repeatedly targeted Waterstones appeared in court.

Connor Matthews stashed away several Lego sets and various games during his stealing sprees at the Westquay store.

The 30-year-old stole various items from the bookshop and a nearby Boots store over a six-day period, Southampton Magistrates’ Court heard.

The offences took place between October 16 and October 22, 2024.

On the final day of his offending, Matthews stole three cosmetic beauty sets from Boots, worth a total of £300.  

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He also stole items totalling £524.89 from Waterstones.

This included a Star Wars game, five Star Wars Lego sets, three regular Lego sets, and two Star Wars games.

He appeared at Southampton Magistrates;’ Court on May 28 facing five charges of theft.

Matthews, of Purbrook Way, Havant, pleaded guilty to all five charges.

He will return to the same court on June 6 to be sentenced.