A total of 22 charges have been secured during the latest action to tackle shoplifters across west Kent.
Two prolific offenders are now facing sentencing for a string of thefts against retailers in Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells.
A 39-year-old man from Maidstone, was arrested on Thursday 23 November 2023, after stealing alcohol and laundry products worth around £1,300 from shops in the town centre.
He appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday 24 November and pleaded guilty to six thefts. He was granted conditional bail, pending sentencing at Maidstone Crown Court on a date yet to be confirmed.
In Tunbridge Wells, a 44-year-old man was arrested on 4 November following a series of offences in the town during the previous two weeks.
The man, from Tunbridge Wells, stole hundreds of pounds of alcohol and clothes from Sainsbury’s and Marks and Spencer stores. He also stole parcel deliveries from outside people’s homes in Newton Road.
On 6 November, he pleaded guilty to four counts of theft at Medway Magistrates’ Court. He is currently bailed to a hearing at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on Friday 1 December.
Enforcement action to protect retailers has also seen a suspected shoplifter arrested in connection with a series of thefts at Eclipse Park, Maidstone, where Marks and Spencer and Next stores were allegedly targeted.
It is reported that between 23 September and 21 November more than £3,000 of alcohol, meat, electrical items, and clothing was stolen.
A 44-year-old man from Sutton Valence, was arrested on Wednesday 22 November and charged with 12 counts of theft.
He is currently bailed with conditions to appear before Maidstone Magistrates’ Court on Friday 1 December.