A prolific shoplifter from London has faced instant justice after he was jailed less than 24 hours after targeting a store in Tunbridge Wells.

On 15 February and Thursday 17 March 2022Christopher Armour stole alcohol from Marks and Spencer after travelling to the town centre from his home in Ennersdale Rd, Lewisham.

On both occasions, Armour concealed bottles of spirits inside his jacket and left the store without paying.

Following the latest theft, officers from the Tunbridge Wells Community Policing Team searched surrounding areas and located him in nearby Calverley Grounds.

Three stolen bottles of whisky were recovered and Armour was arrested.

The 46-year-old was charged with two counts of theft and remanded to Medway Magistrates’ Court on the following day, Friday 18 March. He pleaded guilty and had also breached a previous suspended sentence.

Armour was sentenced on the same day to almost six months’ imprisonment (173 days).

Plain clothes patrols

Sergeant Ed Kavanagh said: ‘Criminals like Christopher Armour travel to areas across Kent and the South East with the sole intention of committing shoplifting and other theft offences.

‘Shoplifting is never a victimless crime and it can have a drastic effect on businesses, which is why we use plain clothes officers as part of our ongoing efforts to prevent and catch thieves who target our towns.’ 

Kent Police is also continuing to work in partnership with retailers as demonstrated by the success of the Shop Safe scheme. Shop Safe radios allow retailers to communicate with each other and are also monitored by police.

By Ed

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