In a day of enforcement before Christmas, investigators from north Kent, Medway and Swale have detained shoplifting suspects for multiple offences.
The arrests by proactive patrols took place on Saturday 21 December 2024 and resulted in:
- A man was arrested by officers investigating a series of thefts from shops in Queenborough, Sittingbourne, Rochester and Maidstone since Monday 9 December. Property reported stolen included confectionary, clothing, alcohol, cosmetics and toys, from Asda, B&M and Poundland. A 34-year-old man from Chatham, was later charged eight thefts valued at more than £400. The suspect appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Monday 23 December. He was remanded to appear before the same court on Monday 13 January 2025.
- A further man was arrested by constables making enquiries into the alleged theft of cleaning products earlier in the month at a shop in Watling Street, Chatham. The man aged 31 from Gillingham, was later charged with stealing items worth £70.
- Officers stationed in Bluewater shopping centre were called to two men acting suspiciously at House of Fraser. Following a search both men were detained. The constables also seized clothing items and some jewellery. Two London men aged 39 and 40 were later charged with three thefts from New Look, Primark and H&M.
Chief Inspector Garry Cook said:
‘We are determined to protect our local businesses from both organised and opportunist criminals. We will seek to charge anyone arrested on suspicion of shoplifting and, where appropriate, ensure they have a prompt appearance before the magistrates.’
The enforcement continued on Sunday 22 December with a woman, aged 37 and from Chatham, arrested on suspicion of theft and assaulting an employee at a store in Walderslade and on the same day, a 34 year old man from Chatham was also detained in connection with the theft of wine, food products and toys valued at more than £240, from shops in Gillingham.