A SHOPLIFTER who snatched vapes from a budget store has been fined £40.

Matthew Jones, 28, stole the vapes from B&M in Whitehaven on September 20.

Pamela Fee, prosecuting at Workington Magistrates’ Court, said police were alerted to the theft and officers located the defendant, who matched the description given by staff.

A total of 11 vapes from B&M were located. CCTV footage showed him concealing the items on his person. Ms Fee said it was a ‘grab and go’ situation.

The defendant was interviewed and failed to provide an account about how he acquired the vapes.

He denied the offence initially but then admitted he had entered the store with intention to steal the vapes.

John Cooper, defending, said: “He’s not been in trouble for a significant amount of time. It’s relatively low value. It’s a guilty plea at the first opportunity.”

Jones, of Corkickle, Whitehaven, pleaded guilty to theft from a shop.

The defendant was fined £40 and ordered to pay £85 costs and a £16 victim surcharge.

No order was made for compensation because the items were recovered.