AN OUT-of-town shoplifting team walked into Boots in Blackburn and walked out with £4,429 worth of cosmetics.

Blackburn magistrates heard on the same day the gang stole £771 worth of cosmetics from Superdrug.

But when they returned to Blackburn six days later in the same van they were arrested for the earlier offences which had been caught on CCTV.

Andrew Raffo, 19, of Kingsbridge Avenue, Hyde, Cheshire, and Janine Williams, 29, of Leamington Street, Oldham, both pleaded guilty to theft from Boots and Superdrug. They were sentenced to 24 weeks in prison suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay £200 compensation.

Catherine Allan, prosecuting, the team of four had stolen a "vast" quantity of goods which had an impact even on a company the size of Boots.

"It is clear they came to Blackburn specifically to shoplift," said Miss Allan.

"CCTV shows them in Boots for 14 minutes removing goods from the shelves before leaving the store. They activated the alarms but managed to make good their escape."

Miss Allan said that when they were arrested some of the property stolen on the earlier visit was still in the back of the van.

Richard Prew, defending Raffo, said his client was subject to post sentence supervision and was co-operating with the probation service.

"He finds it difficult to live on the benefits he receives but that is no excuse for joining up with his mates and coming to Blackburn to commit these offences," said Mr Prew.

Damien Pickup, defending Williams, said the mother of two had been enduring a "torrid" period in her life.

The father of her children had been sent to prison which resulted in her being evicted and she and the children had been living in emergency accommodation.

"She has £2,000 arrears she needs to clear before she can get accommodation for her and her children," said Mr Pickup.

"This opportunity was presented to her and, foolishly, she took it."