A suspected shoplifter has been charged with multiple offences following a spate of thefts and assaults on shop workers in Maidstone.
The 38-year-old man from Maidstone, has been charged with six counts of shoplifting, four counts of common assault and a public order offence.
Between 18 August and 25 September 2023, Kent Police received four reports that goods valued at more than £500 had been stolen from Tesco on Farleigh Hill. During two of the incidents, it is alleged members of staff were assaulted as a suspect left the premises without paying.
On 4 September, two employees were allegedly assaulted as they attempted to prevent a man from entering Tesco in Loose Road, and on Sunday 24 September, a shop worker was reportedly abused as they sought to intervene following a theft at the same business.
A man was arrested on Monday 25 September after patrols from the town’s neighbourhood task force were called to the theft of confectionary from a Co-op in Loose Road.
He appeared before Medway Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 28 September, where he was bailed with conditions to a hearing at Maidstone Court Crown Court on 16 May 2024.
The arrest and charges are part of a wider campaign by Kent Police to protect businesses from crime in Maidstone. The campaign includes increased patrols, targeted operations and working with businesses to develop crime prevention strategies.