A shoplifter banned from entering every Co-op store in Kent has been jailed after repeatedly targeting a branch in Dartford.

Jamie Hopkins_ WM
Jamie Hopkins Image: Kent Police

Jamie Hopkins, 40, was subject to a three-year court order issued in February 2023 which forbids him from going into multiple retail outlets in Dartford without permission from store staff. He was further prohibited from going into any Co-op in the county unless the manager approved.

In spite of this, Hopkins brazenly stole food and confectionery items from the Co-op in Oldfield Place, Dartford, on three occasions between 1 January and 11 January 2025.

Officers arrested Hopkins on 13 January and he was charged the same day with theft and breach of a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO). Hopkins pleaded guilty before Margate Magistrates’ Court on 21 January and was immediately sentenced to nine months’ imprisonment.

Inspector Lee Cheesman said: 

‘The CBO to which Hopkins is subject is in place to protect local businesses and the community. Now that Hopkins is behind bars, I hope it serves to remind would-be thieves that we take shoplifting very seriously and will always strive to bring them before the courts to face justice.’

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