Woman used modified handbag to steal cosmetics and groceries from Louth shops

By Francis Carroll, The Drogheda Independent

A 20-year-old woman had a handbag specially adapted for shoplifting; the district court has been told.

Valentina Tanase, Trimleston, Hamlet Lane, Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, pleaded guilty to three charges of theft arising out of separate incidents in Drogheda earlier this year.

The value of property taken amounted to more than €1,600, and none of it was recovered.

Judge Nicola Andrews remarked that offending of this nature had a “devastating effect on retailers”.

The defendant, who has three previous convictions, took €1,379.85 cosmetics at Hickey’s Pharmacy, West Street, on May 14 last.

On the same day she stole €142.50 groceries at Dealz in West Street.

Ms Tanase was in Total Healthcare Pharmacy, West Street, on June 21 when she swiped €120.15 perfume.

On this occasion she also pleaded guilty to a charge of having a modified foil-lined black H&M handbag with the intention it be used in the course of or in connection with theft.

Solicitor Dermot Monahan said that his client was from Romania and three or four years in Ireland. She was single, had no children. Her English was limited.

Mr Monahan wondered if there were other people “influencing control over her”.

Judge Andrews said that this had a devastating effect on retailers trying to provide a service to members of the community.

Ms Tanase was directed to complete 120 hours community service in lieu of six months imprisonment on one of the charges, the rest taken into consideration.