A THIEF took regular one day return flights between Lithuania and the UK to steal duty free high value perfume.

Dainius Riauba, 36, originally from Lithuania himself but living in West Cliff Road, Bournemouth, pleaded guilty to stealing Chanel fragrances worth £1,050 in October 2017.

The perfume was looted from the Aelia Duty Free Store in London Luton Airport’s departures lounge.

Luton Magistrates’ Court heard Riauba was spotted by shop staff on Sunday, October 8, taking perfume from the shelves during three separate visits into the store, but bypassing the checkout counter, making no attempt to pay for the goods.

He was identified from CCTV images, and later examination of his flight movements revealed he had flown in from Lithuania, and back out again on the same day. Something he had done on several occasions.

Riauba's details were circulated as a wanted person, and he was arrested when he flew back into the airport on March 10, 2018.

He was found to be in possession of a return air ticket to Lithuania from Stansted Airport for the same day.

He admitted the theft and was fined £865, and charged £1,050 compensation, £85 costs and £86 victim surcharge.

Riauba was told he faces 28 days in prison if he fails to pay.

Inspector Ian Taylor of the Airport Policing Unit said: "Riauba demonstrated a very slick technique, revisiting the store to select a number of high value bottles of perfume each time, before flying out immediately afterwards.

"Shoplifting is not a victimless crime, it impacts the local economy and, in this case, the area’s largest economic driver.

"Vigilance by store staff and the in-house airport security systems were key in providing us with evidence to apprehend this thief and bring him to justice, which demonstrates the fantastic working partnership at the airport."