Pair charged following theft of thousands of pounds of goods from Boots stores in Mansfield
Two suspects who allegedly stole thousands of pounds of products from Boots stores in Mansfield have appeared in court charged with a string of offences.
Mansfield officers were called to the Boots store at St Peter’s Retail Park on Friday afternoon (16 January 2026) after being notified that two suspected shoplifters were in the area.
Information passed on by CCTV operators helped the officers to track these individuals to a van and they then worked together to stop the vehicle and arrest two occupants.
A large number of suspected stolen Boots cosmetics were also recovered from the van.
James McDonagh, aged 19, of Three Cherrys Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, and a 17-year-old boy, who can’t be identified for legal reasons, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday 19 January 2026.
McDonagh has been charged with the theft of £18,366 of skincare products stolen from a Boots store in Mansfield and £703 of skincare products from a Boots store in Newark.
He also faces charges of going equipped for theft in Mansfield and attempted theft of skincare products from the Boots store in Mansfield.
The 17-year-old has been charged with the same offences – with both suspects each facing six charges.
McDonagh was remanded in custody and the 17-year-old was granted conditional bail.
Both are next due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on 16 February 2026.
Detective Staff Investigator Steve Willetts, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “As a force we acknowledge the impact that shoplifting and retail crime has on our businesses, their staff and customers, and our communities.
“It is not victimless - it affects real people who just want to work hard, do their job, and serve their community.
“We recognise the importance of working with our business community and partners to help tackle and prevent retail crime to ensure people feel safer.
“By working together, we can build a clearer picture of offending and develop strategies to disrupt and deter those causing harm while also supporting retail staff.
“It is also key that support services are available to vulnerable people; however, we will not hesitate to act against those who continue with their criminal behaviour.”