A repeat shoplifter who stole almost £1,400 worth of goods from businesses in Folkestone has been jailed. Curtis Tipton was also banned from entering the premises he targeted after he’s released from prison, following an application by local officers.
&w=1024&h=1890&scale=both&mode=max)
Between 3 January and 10 January 2024, Tipton stole alcohol, luxury items and household goods from supermarkets and grocery stores across the town.
Following a swift investigation by Folkestone’s Victim Based Crime Team, Tipton was arrested on 11 January. He was charged with four counts of theft and appeared before Folkestone Magistrates’ Court on 17 January.
Tipton, 53, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to all offences and was sentenced to fourteen weeks imprisonment. An application by Kent Police’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team, and Folkestone’s Community Safety Unit, also led to him being handed a two-year Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO). With the CBO in place, Tipton is prohibited from entering six different shops. It is also forbidden for Tipton to remain in any shop if the staff require him to leave.
Police Sergeant Daniel Bartlett, from Kent Police’s Strategic Prevention Command, said:
‘The actions of repeat offenders such as Tipton can have a devastating impact on businesses.
‘We take all reports of shoplifting seriously. I would hope that the custodial sentence and court order that have been imposed in this case will serve to reassure traders that we will take robust action whenever appropriate.
‘We are determined to bring shoplifters to justice and I would urge people to keep reporting incidents to us, either online or by calling 999 if a crime is in progress.’