Officers have arrested a prolific shoplifter following a spate of thefts over a two-week period from Sittingbourne grocery stores.
Kent Police has been investigating allegations of theft involving three businesses in the town, between Friday 27 January and Tuesday 7 February 2023.
The 30-year-old Billy Austin from the Sittingbourne, was arrested on 7 February and charged with six counts of shoplifting and one count of theft of fuel later the same day.
Over 12 days, Austin stole 15 bottles of whiskey by hiding them in his waistband and hid around £100 worth of meat products in a plastic carrier bag. He also stole over £100 of fuel after filling his vehicle and two containers, and making off without paying.
Austin appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on 8 February, where he pleaded guilty to all counts, and is due to appear there again on 24 February for sentencing.