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A prolific shoplifter has been swiftly sent back to prison after stealing from a Medway shop he had targeted before.
On the evening of Wednesday, 3 October 2024, Lee Swift entered a petrol station on Maidstone Road, Chatham. He selected several meat and cheese products, brazenly placing them in a bag before leaving without paying.
Staff recognized Swift from previous thefts and reported the incident to the police. Officers searched the area and went to his home in the town centre within the hour. When there was no answer at his door, they gained entry and found Swift inside, promptly arresting him.
The 45-year-old was charged with theft and appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court the following day. He pleaded guilty and was immediately sentenced to three months in prison.
Investigating officer, PC Alexandra Thomas, commented,
“This thief persistently targets the same local shops, significantly impacting their profits and causing distress to employees. Swift has ignored a criminal behaviour order imposed after his last conviction and will now serve a period in prison. He will certainly be under our scrutiny when he is next released into the community.”