Boots Cashier Nicked £16K At Heathrow Airport

Rat In Trap: Libranda

A Boots cashier was caught on CCTV plundering the tills at his Heathrow Airport branch of £16,000.

In just one month Russell Libranda, 42, a duel Spanish and Filipino national, of Hanworth Road, Hounslow accumulated the cash during his day-to-day duties.

At Isleworth Crown Court he was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment, suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay £2,000 compensation to his former employer.

Police and store security trawled hours of CCTV footage to compile 130 clips of Libranda, pocketing cash for a month.

He resigned on November 9, last year and within three weeks he was reported to the police after the store launched their own investigation after noticing the dramatic shortfall in takings.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Aviation Command Crime Squad arrested Libranda within three hours, and executed a search warrant at his one-bedroom flat.

Investigating officer, PC Jon Houston, said: “When we arrived at Libranda’s flat it was patent that he had been living well beyond the means of a shop assistant. 

“Libranda had evidently been living in a lavish fashion. 

“His flat was packed with designer clothes and jewellery, numerous iPhones, computers and an expensive TV. 

“We also found a shoulder bag, filled with £6,000 in cash, down the side of his wardrobe.”

Cash In Hand: Libranda Nicked Thousands

The officers seized the cash under the Proceeds of Crime Act and it was subsequently forfeited.

During his first weekend working at the branch he stole almost £700.

PC Houston said: “Libranda’s confidence quickly escalated. 

“In his first full week at the branch he stole £3,500 and by week five he was taking almost £5,000. 

“When I watched the CCTV I was stunned to see he was doing this in view of customers and colleagues, who were distracted.”

Libranda pleaded guilty to one count of theft by employee, relating to all £16,191 he stole.

PC Houston said: “The sad reality is that sometimes staff at shops try to steal from their employers, but the security at this store did an excellent job of identifying Libranda as the perpetrator once they were aware that something was amiss.

“The Met has a really strong relationship with Heathrow Airport and the companies operating there, so staff have the confidence to report any suspicious activity to us. 

“We continue to work closely with security across the airport, to keep it safe from all types of crime, including thefts like these.”