STEALING £140-worth of Lego landed a 33-year-old man in court.

David Graham Cullen, of Dinham Road, New Milton, was fined £40 and ordered to pay a £16 victim surcharge, as well as being made the subject of a community order and rehabilitation activity requirement when he appeared in court yesterday (Thursday).

Cullen, of Dinham Road, New Milton pleaded guilty to shoplifting at Tesco, in Caird Avenue, New Milton, at around 7.30am on Friday, September 15.

Reacting to the recent arrests, charges and convictions for shopliftings, New Forest business crime lead, Inspector Linda Davies, said: “These recent results emphasise our commitment to tackling shoplifting across the New Forest, as we know the significant impact this crime has on businesses and the wider community.

“Our response will create a hostile environment for those seeking to offend and we are committed to relentlessly pursuing those who continue to do so.”

Insp Davies encouraged people to report incidents on 101, or online via the Hampshire Police website. They can also report crimes anonymously via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.