A prolific shoplifter has been made the subject of a two-year criminal behaviour order banning him from businesses in Tunbridge Wells.
&w=1024&h=370&scale=both&mode=max)
Tommy Robertson, who lives in the town, has also been banned from entering any Tesco store in Kent for the same duration.
Between 10 July 2023 and 24 April 2024, the 58-year-old repeatedly targeted retail outlets, including Fenwicks, Boots, The Perfume Shop, Tesco, Poundland, and Hoopers.
On nine separate occasions, Robertson entered stores and stole items including designer clothing and sunglasses, fragrances, baby clothes, Christmas trees, toys, and smart watches. The combined value of the property is believed to exceed £2,300. In addition to shoplifting offences, Robertson was also charged for his involvement in the theft of a bicycle from Vale Road on 4 August 2023.
On Wednesday 28 May 2024, Robertson appeared before Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court where the order restricting his behaviour was imposed.
PS Daniel Bartlett, of Kent Police’s Anti-Social Behaviour Team, said:
‘Robertson is a repeat offender who persistently targets businesses in the town centre and becomes aggressive and abusive when challenged.
‘The criminal behaviour order recognises the impact of his behaviour on his victims as well as the local community who live and work in the area. The ban also aims to stop his crime sprees which can affect the ability of some shops to trade profitably, and thus lead to increased prices.
‘Kent Police takes all reports of shoplifting seriously and we encourage businesses owners to report incidents so that we can respond promptly and bring offenders to justice.’