Man Charged Over High Value Fragrance Theft in Southport

A man has been charged after several high value fragrances were stolen from a shop in Southport.

In May 2026 officers received reports that numerous fragrances had been taken from Boots on Chapel Street.

Officers from Merseyside Police carried out a joint investigation with Lancashire Police who traced a car involved in the theft of the fragrances to a house in Preston.

Officers searched the house and arrested a man inside the address.

Andrei Duduianu, aged 25, of Dundonald Street in Preston has now been charged with four counts of theft from a shop.

He was remanded into custody and appeared at Wirral Magistrates Court where he was bailed with conditions this morning, Friday 3 July.

Sefton Area Commander Karl Baldwin Said: “We are keenly aware of the impact that shop thefts can have on our businesses in Sefton.

“They are not victimless crimes and can have a devastating ripple effect that could lead to people losing their jobs, prices rising as businesses seek to make up for the lost revenue and more.

“Our local policing officers remain committed to tackling such offences by working with businesses, the security industry and other partners to disrupt and deter offenders and bring them to justice when these thefts do occur.”

To report a crime taking place contact the Merseyside Police social media desk @MerPolCC on X and Facebook. You can also report information via our website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ or call 101.

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.