In a relentless effort to combat retail crime, authorities in Medway have secured a significant victory after a prolific thief has been swiftly sentenced to prison, while another suspect faces multiple charges.
Neighbourhood officers, collaborating closely with the town’s Victim Based Crime Team, are ensuring that businesses receive a prompt response to reported thefts. The message is clear: criminals will be held accountable, and justice will prevail.
Between Sunday 17 March and Tuesday 19 March 2024, Louis Foster stole large quantities of wine from a store in Luton Road, Chatham on four occasions. The value of the items was £291 and officers recognised Foster after reviewing CCTV at the premises.
On Wednesday 3 April, he was spotted and arrested in Institute Road, Chatham. Police officers also seized a knife from his waistband. Foster, from the town was later charged with four counts of theft and possession of a knife in a public place. The 26-year-old pleaded guilty to all the charges at his first hearing before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday 5 April. He was immediately jailed for six months and required to pay £291 in compensation.
In a separate investigation, between Friday 15 March and Thursday 4 April, staff members at a shop in Maidstone Road, Chatham reported several incidents of theft. Items including meat, dairy products were allegedly stolen with a total value of around £330. Officers from the town’s neighbourhood policing team completed enquiries into the incidents and arrested a suspect on Thursday 4 April. The man from Chatham was later charged by investigators from the Medway Victim Based Crime Team with nine counts of theft. The 45-year-old was conditionally bailed to a hearing at Maidstone Crown Court on 10 May.