Arrests have been made and charges brought as officers disrupt shoplifters in Thanet’s shopping areas.
An operation held over two days in the run-up to Christmas saw local teams work to keep staff and shoppers safe from antisocial behaviour and theft.
On Friday 13 and Saturday 14 December 2024, patrols were carried out in and around Westwood Cross, Haine Road, Margate Road and Westwood Road, with people who were seen acting suspiciously or suspected to be stealing stopped. Anyone carrying out nuisance behaviour towards shop staff or shoppers was also spoken to about their actions.
In total, 14 people were stopped and searched by officers, eight of whom were found with goods believed to be stolen.
Results:
• Mark Hopkins, 37, and 50 year old Rose Williams, from Margate, were each charged with stealing multiple items worth £88 from Marks and Spencer on 13 December. Ms Williams was also charged with stealing items worth £71 from Poundland on the same date. They were bailed to appear at Margate Magistrates’ Court on Monday 3 January 2025.
• Two women were found with stolen goods from Marks and Spencer and Primark hidden in a pram and were issued with community resolutions.
• A group of young people were spoken to about their behaviour and warned against the use of e-scooters. Officers removed them from the shopping area.
• On Saturday 14 December, police were made aware that two men had been seen trying to remove the security tags from clothing in TK Maxx. They were found and searched in JD Sports. One man was in possession of designer sportswear and was issued with a community resolution.
• A group of young people suspected of stealing in Primark were stopped and searched by officers. Earrings and hair products were recovered, resulting in them being issued with community resolutions and a referral to the youth offending team who will work with them to deter any further incidents.
• After a report of antisocial behaviour at McDonalds, officers visited and a group of young people were spoken to and dispersed from the premises.
Neighbourhood Sergeant Ben Rose said:
‘Our message to any would-be thieves thinking of taking advantage of the busy shopping season to commit crime is to think again. Officers are carrying out patrols around our high streets and shopping areas in Thanet and they are working closely with plain clothes colleagues as well as businesses and CCTV operators. They will pursue anyone believed to be committing crime and take action to stop them.’